Rocco Berry and Jackson Ford have been rewarded for standout campaigns, re-signing with the New Zealand Warriors beyond next year.
The pair were both set to come off-contract at the end of 2024, but the club have moved quickly to retain their services after they played a crucial role in the side's unlikely rise to the top-four and prelim finals.
Berry has extended his stay in Auckland until the end of 2026, while former Dragons back-rower Ford has inked a fresh one-year contract with the Warriors.
The news comes just days after the club announced the retention of inspirational captain Tohu Harris.
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Warriors re-sign Jackson Ford and Rocco Berry
In a statement released on Thursday morning, Warriors coach Andrew Webster praised the reliable duo and believes they will remain a focal point for the club moving forward.
“The terrific thing about Rocco and Jackson is their drive to become better each and every day,” he said.
“They’re great examples of what we want to see in our players with their commitment and their passion.
“Rocco made tremendous strides throughout the season, gaining in confidence as he was able to string a number of games together and show the ability we all know he has.
“Jackson hit the ground running the moment he arrived here, demanded a starting spot in round one and never let his standards slip.”
Berry was a teenage rugby union standout across the ditch, but opted to make the full-time transition to the 13-man code and has since become a permanent fixture in the Warriors backline.
The 22-year-old has scored six tries in 31 first grade appearances and had a breakout campaign in 2023, registering eight try assists after cracking the lineup in Round 11.
Ford moved across from St George Illawarra after a mixed tenure at his junior club and became an immediate success at the Wahs, making nine linebreaks in 24 games, starting in all-but one of his NRL appearances.
“Rocco and Jackson both thrived in the new environment created this season,” recruitment manager Andrew McFadden said in the club statement.
“Like so many players in the squad, their games went to a new level this year and there’s every confidence they’ll improve further next year and beyond.”
Jackson Ford 2023 NRL stats
| Games | 24 |
| Tries | 4 |
| Linebreaks | 9 |
| Offloads | 6 |
| Avg. Run Metres | 103m |
| Avg. Tackles | 35 |
| Tackle Efficiency | 91% |
Rocco Berry 2023 NRL stats
| Games | 16 |
| Tries | 3 |
| Try Assists | 8 |
| Linebreaks | 4 |
| Tackle Breaks | 31 |
| Avg. Run Metres | 75m |
| Avg. Tackles | 17 |
| Tackle Efficiency | 91% |
