Hugh McGahan: Loyal Stacey sure to be missed by everyone

There are mixed emotions when we speak of the departure of Stacey Jones from the Warriors at the end of the 2005 season. I feel a combination of relief and happiness for Stacey; frustration and resentment for the administration of the club and sadness for the fans.

What we are witnessing is a public relations blunder by the club in releasing the last of the foundation players from their ranks. Some solace for the fans is they have the rest of the season to say goodbye to their hero - a luxury they were not given when Ali Lauiti'iti, Logan Swann, Thomas Leuluai and Vinnie Anderson were shunted from the club. He'll be given a hero's cheer every time he takes the field and so he should, given the loyalty he has displayed throughout his time at the franchise.

I agree with his statement that it was time to move on to other challenges and get away from the NRL spotlight. It will have a positive effect on his career and his playing longevity will be increased. The lifestyle changes for him and his family will be great and it is an opportunity to grasp now.

There's been speculation as to why Stacey Jones has left and I'll reiterate what I said over the last 12 months. My thoughts are that he should've left last year when the Warriors presented him the opportunity to seek a club for 2005 and beyond.

He was in the throes of securing a deal when the Warriors reneged on their offer and made him stay when they couldn't find a replacement. Given the environment during the 2004 horror season, Stacey didn't want to cause further heartache with a fight to make the club honour their offer of release from the remaining two years of his contract. Twelve months later he is leaving and I wish him all the success for the remainder of this year and the future with new French club UTC.

The conjecture of his future is settled and we'll remember Stacey as the great player he was, irrespective of the team's fortunes. Stacey will leave a legacy and a reputation not likely to be forgotten. The speed and guile of his attack, the slick passing and, in the latter years, his ability to read the play, the deftness of his kicking and his support play.

No one will ever forget his trademark grubber kick and re-gather in the space of five metres to accelerate to the tryline or draw and pass to his supports for them to score. We have but a few games to witness his skill live in this hemisphere so we must make the most of it. Not only do we say goodbye to an icon of New Zealand sport but we lose a character of New Zealand with whom we can all identify.

Irrespective of being paid very well to play his chosen sport, he is down to earth with a desire to just play and finish each game with a beer with his mates.

The pressure is off his shoulders now and he can get on with just enjoying the game. If the rest of the Warriors team can do the same, the wins and results will follow and Stacey Jones can finish the season with the kudos well deserving of a champion.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY