Jackson Ford's hopes of a NSW debut in the State of Origin decider appear over after the superstar Warriors prop suffered a pectoral injury in the 38-20 defeat of North Queensland.
Starting on a wing for the first time since 2017, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad crossed for four tries in the opening NRL game at Christchurch's new stadium, helping the Warriors snap their two-game losing streak.
But Sunday's victory came at a heavy cost for the second-placed Kiwi side as Ford, who led the Dally M Medal count earlier in the season, left the field following a first-half tackle on Tom Chester.
A surprising omission from the first two Origin games, Ford appeared in the mix for a call-up, with the Blues contemplating changes after their game-two humiliation.
