Jackson Ford in action against St George Illawarra. Photo: Brett Phibbs/www.photosport.nz
Warriors forward Jackson Ford has been banned for the rest of the NRL regular season after pleading guilty to a crusher tackle.
Ford has been suspended for three matches for the grade one offence, incurred during the Warriors' 14-10 win over St George Illawarra on Friday.
The 27-year-old was cited for his tackle on Corey Allan when the Dragons were leading 10-0 in the first half.
The Warriors had risked losing Ford for the first week of the playoffs if they contested the charge and he was then found guilty.
They will be without him for their matches against Gold Coast, Parramatta and Manly.
The Warriors regained fourth place on the NRL table with their win on Friday, but it is a tight race to make the playoffs with five teams behind them still in contention.
The Warriors are not locked in, but a win or a Dolphins loss this weekend would seal a berth.
Ford has been a steady presence for the Warriors this season, but his poor disciplinary record counted against him in assessment of his penalty.
