I appreciate the genuine discussion.
Yes,
Ford made 46 tackles and ran for 121 metres, but quantity doesn't automatically equal effectiveness. The key for me is impact, how many of those tackles actually stopped momentum? How many of those 17 runs bent the line or forced defensive adjustments? I see him as a plodder.
Being ranked 8th in penalties conceded across the whole NRL is not a good thing. Being close to guys like Carrigan or Tapine doesn’t make it better because those players offer elite value elsewhere.
Ford doesn’t.
His penalties and errors cost the team field position and momentum, consistently and especially in tight games where discipline matters most.
Ford had a line break in that game, but that's an exception, not the norm. He’s not known for tackle busts, offloads, or quick plays. In fact his quick plays often end up in errors. He’s essentially a gap filler rather than having any sort of impact on the game
I’ll never knock him for his effort, but sometimes effort isn’t enough. its about execution and impact. If you're running hard but offering minimal post contact metres, and if you're tackling often but not dominating a tackle and being dragged along as a passenger, or letting offloads go, your “engine” doesn’t mean
The argument that “we need him with
Barney and
Fish out” is more about a lack of depth than a vote of confidence in
Ford. He’s filling a gap, a gap he’s not suited for.
I just don’t see his value other than effort. I’d give others a go ahead of him.