NRL: Jones wary about signing too early

Stacey Jones. Photo / Getty Images

Stacey Jones refuses to commit to the Warriors for another season too soon for fear of putting himself in the same predicament he faced in France.

The 33-year-old penned a new deal with Les Catalans midway through 2006 but regretted that by the end of the season.

It meant he asked for an early release, which was granted providing he didn't play in the NRL or for a rival UK Super League outfit for 12 months. It led many, including Jones, to believe he had retired.

The Warriors have yet to approach Jones about 2010 but this seemed more likely after the club announced last week it would not offer Nathan Fien a new contract.

"I haven't given them any indication [about playing in 2010] and they haven't given me any either," Jones said. "I go back to what I said at the start [when I rejoined the Warriors] - I am approaching it week-to-week.

"I don't think there's any pressure. If it was to happen, I could be in the same position I was in France. I re-signed midway through the year but come the end of the year, I decided it wasn't for me.

"I have been in this predicament before. If I was to rush something, it doesn't always work out. At the moment, I am going week-to-week and we will see what happens."

Having already re-signed Aaron Heremaia and youngsters Issac John and Shaun Johnson, none of whom have NRL experience, it would be safe to assume the club will be looking for an experienced halfback.

Matt Orford is off contract but expected to head to the UK Super League if he doesn't re-sign with Manly, while the Bulldogs' Ben Roberts is also looking for a new club.

Former Eels halfback Tim Smith is looking to return to the NRL after 18 months with Wigan, while speculation continues that former Manly hooker-halfback Michael Monaghan is unhappy at Warrington.

Jones, though, would appear to be the Warriors' first target.

"We have agreed with Stacey that if it was working, we would revisit 2010 well into the 2009 season," Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said. "We are still not at that point and we haven't done anything formally about a renewal.

"Stacey is holding his own. He is getting fitter and acclimatising well back in the NRL."

Fien is looking for a new home and his manager, Jim Banaghan, said three clubs were in the market for the 29-year-old.

"In the next three weeks, Nathan will be able to confirm exactly where his future will be," Banaghan said. "Three NRL clubs have submitted offers for two or three years."

Banaghan said Fien would remain at the Warriors for the rest of the season, dampening down suggestions he would seek an early release to join the Eels.

Parramatta have a crisis in the halves.

They released Brett Finch earlier in the season and last week lost both Kris Keating (broken jaw) and Feleti Mateo (torn biceps muscle) for three months.