Stacey Jones to make Warriors comeback

Rugby league great Stacey Jones has re-signed as a player with the New Zealand Warriors on a one-year contract.

In a shock announcement that caught the league media by surprise, Jones announced his signing at a press conference at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland this morning.

Warriors coach Ivan Cleary refused to confirm whether Jones would be the Warriors' starting halfback at the beginning of the 2009 NRL season but said he was delighted he had convinced 32-year-old Jones to pull on his boots again next season.

Jones said he never officially retired but opted out of the final year of a deal with UK Super league club the Catalan Dragons.

He was not available for any other team last season as he was originally contracted to the Dragons.

"It's a huge decision but I'm so excited about what's ahead," said Jones.

"I've really enjoyed the time I've had back at the Warriors (as kicking coach) this year.

"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 last year."

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."

Jones decision to return to the playing field will be hotly debated with critics sure to question whether he still has the form left in his veteran legs to recreate his old magic and inspire the Warriors to greater heights next year.

Jones will be competing against current Junior Kiwi halfback Liam Foran, signed in the off-season from the Melbourne Storm, gun Warriors under 20s star Issac John and Kiwis test utility Nathan Fein for the Warriors' No. 7 jersey.

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.

"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.

"My motivation is to try to help the club win a premiership. I like the look of the roster the Vodafone Warriors have for next season. To me, it's one of the most exciting all-round squads the club has had.

"I'm still only 32 so I feel there's time left for me to have another crack now, especially after having a year off. I feel fresh."

Cleary said both the NRL team and the club as a whole stood to benefit enormously from Jones' signing. But he added it wouldn't be fair to place unreasonable expectations on him.

"It's been well recognised that we have been looking to improve our halfback depth and in Stacey we could not have anyone with more experience in this position," he said.

"Whether Stacey plays many games or not, his experience will be invaluable not only to the young halves but the NRL squad as a whole.

"He has been doing plenty of fitness training recently and we expect him to be in competitive shape when our NRL squad starts preseason training on November 17.

"It's great for us to have a player of his standing and quality back at the club he has done so much for, and the club that did so much for him."

NZ Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said he was delighted to have Jones back in the fold.

"For everyone who has followed the Warriors since they were introduced to the competition, Stacey Jones has been the player instantly identified with the club," he said.

"He has been the most popular player in the club's history and he still holds most of the club's individual records as well."

The Mad Butcher Peter Leitch said it's fantastic news that his "mate" Stacey Jones has re-signed with the Warriors.

Leitch said Jones has a lot to offer the club both on and off the field, and scoffs at any comments that he is too old to make a dedicated comeback.

He said Jones' decision to re-sign for the club was made with the full support of his family.

Leitch said he will never forget how he felt when Jones scored the try in his farewell match that gave the Warriors a win over Manly in 2005.

"Anyone who can make you feel that good is welcome back as far as I am concerned," Leitch said.

STACEY JONES

1995-2005
238 games
75 tries, 171 goals and 12 field goals for 654 points
Game No 100 v Knights at Ericsson in 1999
Game No 200 v Cowboys in Queensland in 2004

- The Little General is one of the few league players to become a household name in New Zealand.

- His courage and skill made him the darling of the Mt Smart Stadium crowd throughout his career. He has the honour of being the Warriors top tryscorer with 75, ahead of Franics Meli on 60 and another 100 club member in Clinton Toopi on 57.

- Made his debut way back in April 1995 against the Parramatta Eels in a 40-4 win in Sydney and would remain vital to the team for a decade.

- His loyalty to the cause is reflected in his one-club NRL career.

- with SALLY FRENCH

- © Fairfax NZ News