Rugby League: Out of form Jones sacrifices test berth

By CHRIS BARCLAY

Kiwis and New Zealand Warriors playmaker Stacey Jones' wretched season dipped further today when he made himself unavailable for the Anzac rugby league test, saying his form was not up to international standard.

Jones was subbed off for the first time in his ten years in the National Rugby League (NRL) during the Warriors' loss to the Bulldogs on Friday night, but he was still expected to figure in the Kiwis 17-man squad to face the Kangaroos in Newcastle on Friday night.

But in a rather surprising squad, that feature six changes from the side that beat Australia last October, Kiwis coach Daniel Anderson announced Jones felt his performances this year did not warrant selection.

The influential halfback has been noticeably off his usual game.

Anderson said the 34-test veteran and former player of the year Golden Boot winner decided to pull out.

"He was given an opportunity to play but he felt his form did not warrant selection and the team would perform better without him," Anderson said.

"We are disappointed for Stacey and the team but it should be remembered he has been a major performer for the Kiwis over a number of years.

"There will be plenty of opportunities for him to play himself back into form before the Tri-Nations at the end of the year," Anderson said.

Thomas Leuluai, who deputised for the injured Jones in a memorable test debut against the Kangaroos last October, will start at halfback. He has also fallen out of favour at the Warriors this year and has mainly played five-eighth.

Leuluai will be partnered in the halves by Warriors teammate Sione Faumuina.

Other features of the squad see Bulldogs rookie sensation Sonny-Bill Williams poised to make his debut from the interchange bench.

However, fellow boom youngster Karmichael Hunt from the Brisbane Broncos will not join him, having confirmed he is keen to chase State of Origin honours with Queensland.

The Auckland-born 17 year-old was in contention until he declared his allegiance to his adopted home.

David Vaealiki, one of the shell-shocked Kiwis who suffered a 6-48 drubbing from the Kangaroos last July, returns at fullback while the worst keep secret of last week was confirmed by the naming of England-based duo Robbie Paul and Lesley Vainakolo at hooker and wing respectively.

The Cayless brothers Nathan and Jason will again team up in the front row although Jason is down on match play since injuring as knee against Manly in round two on March 20.

Classy centre Nigel Vagana combines with Clinton Toopi in midfield despite playing just one game for Cronulla this season due to injury and suspension.

Premiers Penrith supply second rowers Tony Puletua and Joe Galuvao plus reserve centre Paul Whatuira and 18th man Frank Pritchard.

Whatuira, another debutante, was named in the train-on squad before last October's test while utility forward Pritchard has impressed off the bench for the Panthers.

Anderson said Warriors rookies Tevita Latu and utility Epalahame Lauaki would train with the squad at Terrigal on the NSW north coast this week.

Lauaki or Pritchard may yet find himself themselves making a test debut as the Kiwis risk a tough time at the NRL judiciary this week.

Captain Ruben Wiki and Galuvao were both placed on report and will learn tomorrow if they have been charged.

Canberra's Wiki faces an anxious wait to see whether judicial commissioner Greg McCallum charges the veteran following an alleged high shot on Cronulla prop Jason Stevens last night.

Galuvao faced a similar scenario for a tackle today on St George Illawarra captain Trent Barrett.

The New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) have grown accustomed to negotiating judicial obstacles before a test match.

Ali Lauitiiti was outed from last July's test despite mounting a strong defence, including support from victim Danny Nutley.

Ironically Galuvao benefited from Lauitiiti's suspension last year, making his debut off the bench during the July rout at Aussie Stadium.

Given the Warriors dire start to the season it was inevitable the squad would not feature the same representation as the side that upset the world champions 30-16 at North Harbour Stadium last year.

Lauitiiti, the 2002 NRL second rower of the year, has succumbed to poor form alongside wing Henry Fa'afili and centre Vinnie Anderson. Monty Betham and Awen Guttenbeil are both injured.

Kiwis

1 David Vaealiki (Parramatta Eels)

2 Leslie Vainakolo (Bradford Bulls)

3 Nigel Vagana (Cronulla Sharks)

4 Clinton Toopi (New Zealand Warriors)

5 Francis Meli (Warriors)

6 Sione Faumuina (Warriors

7 Thomas Leuluai (Warriors)

8 Jason Cayless (Sydney Roosters)

9 Robbie Paul (Bradford Bulls)

10 Nathan Cayless (Parramatta Eels)

11 Tony Puletua (Penrith Panthers)

12 Joe Galuvao (Penrith Panthers)

13 Ruben Wiki (captain, Canberra Raiders)

14 Jerry Seuseu (Warriors)

15 Sonny-Bill Williams (Canterbury Bulldogs)

16 Paul Whatuira (Penrith Panthers)

17 Stephen Kearney (Melbourne Storm)

18 Frank Pritchard (Penrith Panthers)

To be invited into camp: Epalahame Lauaki, Tevita Latu (both Warriors).

- NZPA