League: Was the little general pushed?

96 Jones' agent Peter Brown yesterday denied a deal had been done with UTC or any other club or that Jones was keen to move on.

"I'm not aware that he's keen for a change and I'm not aware that the Warriors are trying to offload him," Brown said.

"He had the opportunity to move last year and said he didn't want to, so I think it's unlikely."

However, sources close to the club told the Herald on Sunday yesterday that Jones had already agreed terms with UTC. The French club is being admitted to the Super League next year and is boosting its playing staff with new talent.

Jones was reportedly on the verge of joining one of a host of English clubs last season, including Wigan, Hull and St Helens, before deciding to stick with the Warriors. During the uncertainty, chief executive Mick Watson said the club would not stand in Jones' way, fuelling speculation he was being released.

Former Kiwis captain Hugh McGahan is adamant the Warriors want to offload the popular Jones and bring in Mundine, causing a backlash with fans.

Already the Warriors have been criticised for releasing Ali Lauitiiti, Vinnie Anderson, Logan Swann and Thomas Leuluai.

"Irrespective of what they're saying, they're pushing him out the door," McGahan said. "The only reason he stayed last season was because they couldn't get a replacement like Matt Orford or Robbie Paul.

"He's only now starting to find some form again but he's got only one year left on his contract and I don't think that would be renewed. He's young enough and still good enough to justify a good three-year deal with someone."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY