Stacey's exit sees Cleary hunting for a halfback

BY AARON LAWTON

THE Warriors are on the hunt for a playmaker to partner NRL bad boy Brett Seymour in the halves next year after club legend Stacey Jones last night decided to once and for all hang up his boots at the season's end.

The Kiwis great, 33, who shocked the league world in last November by announcing at a press conference in Auckland his intention to come out of retirement and play for the Warriors, was the club's first choice to continue at halfback next year.

But Sunday News understands that on Thursday Jones turned down an offer from the Warriors to play on and told coach Ivan Cleary of his intention to retire.

"It was a big decision to come back for this season and I'm really glad I did it," Jones said.

"From the start I just wanted to do whatever I could to help and to do the best I could.

"While it has been a disappointing season for us in terms of results, I've really enjoyed having another chance to play in the NRL.

"I love this club and it's a great place to be around, but I've decided it's the right time for me to move on and let other players come through.

"There's no doubt we've got some exciting prospects in the halves and I certainly think the future is bright.

"I want to thank everyone at the club, especially Ivan and the boys in the team, for the chance I've had to play at home again."

The Warriors have expressed a desire all season to see Jones continue in 2010.

But his retirement at the end of the season means the Warriors are now on the hunt for another playmaker to partner Seymour who is expected to agree to an offer from the club within days in the halves next year.

"If we didn't re-sign Stacey for another year we would definitely be looking for another person in the halves," Warriors director of football John Hart said several days ago.

"We're really pleased with the development of players like Isaac John and Shaun Johnson (under-20s halfback).

"But Shaun, we all know, is quite a way away and we need some depth there.

"That's an area we would continue to monitor."

Sunday News understands the club has discussed a number of halves options already, but wanted to wait until Jones had given a definitive answer about his future before actively jumping into the player market.

Cleary yesterday had nothing but praise for his star halfback and former Warriors team-mate.

"We would have loved him to continue because he has so much to offer both as a player and a mentor for the young players around him, not just the halves but everyone in our squad.

"Stacey has given us exactly what we wanted from him this year and I have no doubt he could have gone on another season if he wanted to and help our side grow."

Jones' return to the footy field this year has been marred by criticism from some fans and pundits who have suggested he is one of the reasons for the Warriors' woes.

"He hasn't deserved it at all. He's certainly not to blame for the way we've performed this year," said Cleary.

"I can understand his decision not to continue playing.

"But we definitely want to keep him involved here in whatever way we can."

- © Fairfax NZ News