League: Jones back in Kiwis fold for test

Stacey Jones

Stacey Jones has joined his Kiwis team-mates in Leeds and is ready to play in the Tri-Nations final against Australia despite only touching down in Britain 26-hours before kick off.

"He is a box of birds, he is fine," coach Brian McClennan said.

Jones made a fleeting visit to New Zealand to be with wife Rachelle for the birth of son William but McClennan said the trip had not adversely affected his key playmaker.

"Because he only went home for three or four days he has been sleeping the same times as the northern hemisphere," he said.

"He has been sleeping until two in the afternoon in New Zealand to keep the same sleep patterns and he slept the right times on the plane as well.

"Stacey is a professional, he knows what needs to be done."

Jones will not train with the team ahead of the match but McClennan isn't worried about his side lacking cohesion.

"Because he has played in every game in this tournament he knows what is going on. He is our go-to man, he'll direct the boys around the field."

And McClennan wasn't concerned the Kangaroos would target Jones as the weak link.

"They can if they want, we'll target them too."

Australia coach Wayne Bennett has recalled New Zealand Warriors prop Steven Price in place of Penrith second rower Trent Waterhouse, who was among a group of non-playing Kangaroos out socialising on the night before the match.

Contrary to some reports, the match will be played in largely fine weather conditions, with Leeds having missed the snowfall that has hit northern and coastal areas of Britain. A light shower is predicted for around about the time of the match, with temperatures expected to be around the one-degree mark at kick-off.

- NZPA