League: Jones ready for Tri-Nations

Stacey Jones [pictured last summer] said he was more than motivated to play. Picture / Paul Estcourt

Stacey Jones has said he is fully fit and ready for another tilt at the Tri-Nations title.

Jones arrived home a few days ago, and was confirmed yesterday in the Kiwis squad. The halfback came out of international retirement for last year's Tri-Nations.

He said even after a tough European season, he was more than motivated to play again.

Stacey Jones said the Kiwis under Brian McClennan and the "Mad Butcher" Peter Leitch were a fantastic team to be involved in.

Jones (Les Catalans) is one of five English Super League players in the team alongside utility Motu Tony (Hull), outside back Shontayne Hape (Bradford), and props Jason Cayless (St Helens) and David Solomona (Wakefield).

However, only Jones and Solomona are likely to be in the reckoning for the opening test against Australia in Auckland on October 14.

Cayless will be ruled out for that match because St Helens are in the Super League grand final that same weekend.

Bradford play Hull this weekend for the other grand final spot, which means either Hape or Tony will become available depending on which team loses.

But Coach Brian McClennan said the player concerned would probably not be considered for inclusion in the 17 for the Mt Smart Stadium test because of the short turnaround.

"It's a bit of a slog," he said. "We will just have to weigh things up."

McClennan said he was delighted at the prospect of working again with Jones.

"He's the jewel in our crown," he said of the influential playmaker.

"We're rapt to have Stacey back involved."

- NEWSTALK ZB / NZPA