Stacey Jones Rugby League (PS2, Xbox, PC)

Reviewed by TIM LAMB

The start of the NRL season is a few days away. So the best way to fill the time is with the latest league video game offering on Xbox, Playstation2 and PC.

Stacey Jones Rugby League offers you the chance to play as the Warriors - or any other side in the NRL - for the season, or perhaps lead the Kiwis to success in a tri-nations series against Great Britain and Australia.

Hundreds of players are available to chose from, each with their own trademark hairstyles.

And there are 25 realistic grounds including Ericsson Stadium to choose from.

The game does not have the high-quality graphics you might expect with some of the US-driven games like American Football, but is one of the few oval-ball code video games on offer and the gameplay itself is satisfyingly lifelike.

Unfortunately, the commentary is voiced by Australian commentator Andrew Voss, when really it needed the touch of the Mad Butcher.

But, if you do manage to lead the Warriors to success it's likely the closest the club has been to being NRL champions.

Well, until the real final in September perhaps.

- THE AUCKLANDER