Stacey Jones Returns
Kiwi halfback of the century Stacey Jones will play for the Warriors next season.
Three years after ending his record 238-game career at Mt Smart Stadium, the 32-year-old today revealed he has signed a one-year contract to resume his playing ties with the club.
Jones said an approach by Warriors coach Ivan Cleary and a taste of top-level football with the All Golds had rekindled his desire to again play for the Vodafone Warriors.
“It’s a huge decision but I’m so excited about what’s ahead,” Jones said.
“I’ve really enjoyed the time I’ve had back at the Vodafone Warriors (as kicking coach).
“I’ve had a year off playing after finishing up with Les Catalans (in the English Super League) and turning out for the All Golds in England.”
Jones said contractual arrangements had prevented him giving any consideration to a playing deal before now.
“The truth is I had originally signed a new contract to play on with Les Catalans this year but it was a bit rushed. By then we’d had two great years in Perpignan and we were homesick and really keen to come back,” he said
“The club was good about it and let me go but on the condition I couldn’t play for any other club in 2008.”
His commitment to play in the New Zealand Rugby League’s farewell match to long-time Kiwi team-mate Ruben Wiki on October 12 compelled Jones to take on a training programme.
“After training to play for the All Golds in New Plymouth and playing in that game, I realised how much I had missed being out there,” he said.
Jones’ cameo appearance for the All Golds was the catalyst for Cleary to make his approach, the Warriors said.
“A few days after the match, Ivan asked me whether I’d be interested in making a return to the NRL. I said I’d think about it. Obviously I had a lot to consider and while I accept I have a lot of work to do to get back to NRL standard, I really want to give this a shot.
I think this is awesome because Stacy Jones is the man.
