Rugby League: Decision time for little Kiwi lynchpin

By PETER JESSUP

Stacey Jones has a big decision to make - whether to go for surgery to remove the last rod from his broken arm ahead of the rugby league World Cup.

The rod can remain in his arm provided it causes no pain and is not infected, and medical officials will take advice from him as much as he will from them before the decision is made.

Jones was due to meet the Warriors' management today to discuss his immediate future. There is a possibility that surgery would rule him out of the Cup, which starts in England on October 28.

"If it's possible, we'd like him to be available for the Cup," said Warriors chief executive Trevor McKewen. "Obviously Stacey wants to play."

Centre Ivan Cleary, missing since he shattered his shoulder in scoring a try against the Penrith Panthers in round six on March 12, has undergone a full reconstruction after suffering with debilitating muscle pains for months.

He will take four to five months to recover, putting him back in the selection frame for the first games of 2001, though he may miss some pre-season run-outs as he catches up with strength work.

Awen Guttenbeil has had a knee cartilage scrape and is expected to be fit for the season start. Bench player Joe Galuvao, who was assisted from the field during the win over the Eagles last weekend, had concussion after his head was slammed into the ground but is now OK.

The Warriors remain in negotiation with several of the 34-man playing staff over contracts for next season but are unable to complete signings while the ownership wrangle drags on.

They have agreement in principle to retain Monty Betham and Jonathon Smith but have been told by Tainui not to enter any new contracts. Those still in talks include John Simon, Odell Manuel, Henry Perenara and Wairangi Koopu.

No decision has yet been made on the futures of Cliff Beverley and Talite Liavaa. Peter Lewis and Ben Lythe have been released.

In the Bartercard Cup, Glenora will welcome barging prop Greg Ashby and hardworking hooker Junior Fiu back into the pack when they go to play league leaders Otahuhu at home tomorrow.

The Bears are looking to cement their tentative top-five spot and to reverse the first-round result.

"They took it to us verbally and physically in the second half of that game. We're not looking to repay the lip but we do want to reverse the scoreline," said coach Duane Mann.

Aotearoa Maori coach Cameron Bell has picked up lowly Ngongotaha after the Rotorua merger parted company with Chris Hina last weekend. Bell has a hard first job, going to Manurewa as they look to move into playoff contention.

Mt Albert have a big turnaround to make after their hiding by the Tornadoes if they are to stay in touch with the top five when they host Wainuiomata tomorrow.

The Tornadoes should have no trouble dumping bottom-placed Porirua to maintain their third position with three rounds to go and Canterbury, likewise, should dispose of Northcote.