Warriors continue to gain fans despite loss

They came away with no points, but the Warriors were as impressive as any of the 16 teams on show in Magic Round.The Warriors had some tough calls go against them, lost winger Ed Kosi, second-rower Jackson Ford and prop Bunty Afoa to injury and twice had players in the sin-bin against dual premiers Penrith.But the Warriors refused to surrender and were right in the game until a late Spencer Leniu try gave the Panthers an 18-6 win.It's been said many times over the opening 10 rounds - this Warriors side has more grit and resolve than Kiwi teams of the past and Andrew Webster and his men lost no friends at Suncorp.

Warriors' bargain buy of the year candidate

Mark down Warriors back-rower Jackson Ford as an early contender for bargain buy of the year.A Dragons junior, Ford wasn't really wanted by the Big Red V this season but the 25 year old is making the most of his new life at the Warriors.The busy forward topped his team's tackle count with 41 in the hard-fought 16-14 win over the Bulldogs with 41 yesterday, including a couple of trysavers.He also made some handy metres on the edges and looks a player with plenty to offer.

Warriors duo's bid for bargain buys of the year

The Warriors-Knights clash on Friday night was a gritty affair but it did give us an early indication of two of the bargain buys of the year.For the Warriors, back-rower Jackson Ford was outstanding in the 20-12 win.Ford, who looked good when given limited chances at the Dragons, was superb, running for 150 metres and making a line break at a vital stage.And for the Knights, new fullback Lachie Miller handed in a fine debut after his switch from Cronulla.Miller ran for 174m - the most by any Knight - and came up with a couple of desperation try-saving tackles. Both look set for big seasons in their new colours.