Stacey Jones hopes to continue playing internationals

Stacey Jones

LEEDS - After boarding a plane six hours after son William's birth and crossing the globe to lead the Kiwis to Tri-Nations glory today, Stacey Jones had a simple message for the massed media ranks: "I'm buggered."

"I can't wait to get home," Jones told reporters in the aftermath of the Kiwis stunning 24-0 win over Australia in the final of the Tri-Nations rugby league tournament.

Jones said he would sit back in a few days and reflect on it all "but right now I am pretty tired".

"It has been fantastic to be able to see my son born and then to be able to come here and play in the final. It was huge."

The diminutive half said he had really enjoyed the last week and despite the tiredness he would be back on a long flight home tomorrow.

Flying is something Jones has had to become used to, having crossed the Tasman to begin his Tri-Nations odyssey before making two return trips to Britain and two trips to France, where he has taken up a playing contract.

"I've lost track of days and time," he said.

Not that he looked jaded during the Kiwis historic 24-0 victory over the Kangaroos at Elland Road in Leeds. Jones was the game's dominant figure, guiding the Kiwis around Elland Road with clinical precision.

He credited his teammates for allowing him to return to the fold despite not training all week. And coach Brian McClennan came in for praise for rekindling in the veteran halfback's passion to play for his country again.

"The people I've got to thank are the players who let me come back to the team without being (fully) involved, and my wife for letting me come," Jones said.

"I retired last year and I wasn't hounded to play. Bluey (coach Brian McClennan) just said 'Look, I'm going to get you to come back and play'."

Jones said the team were struggling for players with Thomas Leuluai and Benji Marshall unable to play.

Captain Ruben Wiki had also weighed in asking Jones if he could play.

Jones, who heads to France for the next Super League season, confirmed his resurrection as an international player is set to continue as he fully intends to help New Zealand defend their title when the Tri-Nations moves to Australia and New Zealand next year.

"I'd love to be able to play back home. Hopefully most of the players that were out there tonight will be back again next year."

The Kangaroos may have been condemned to their first series loss for 27 years but Jones wasn't offering any sympathy.

"They have been bullying us for a lot of years so it is about time we got one over them.

"It is great for the game back home for the Kiwis to do it and it was great for the game of rugby league.

"A lot of people will be happy. For the All Blacks to do what they are doing and for us to do it as well, the country is on a high."

- NZPA