"Besides key responsibilities in recruitment and coaching in our development system, having our halves throughout the club mentored by one of the game's greatest halfbacks is hugely exciting."
Elliott was heavily involved in getting the 36-year-old Jones on board and it is a smart move. Jones adds impetus to the Warriors' brains trust and additional local flavour to the coaching staff, balanced alongside Elliott and Andrew McFadden. He also appeals as mentor for Shaun Johnson, who struggled with the demands of the playmaking role last season.
Jones had a club record 12 seasons as a player at Mt Smart (1995-2005 and 2009) plus another as part-time kicking coach in 2008. Over the past three seasons, he has been involved in a coaching capacity with the Point Chevalier Pirates and also employed as the ARL's football development officer.
"To now have a full-time job like this back at the Warriors is perfect," said Jones.
"There are so many good things going on with the club at the moment.
"I can't wait to be involved again with the new football staff and the new direction."
Bell said Jones would take over as development coach from Willie Swann, who becomes Junior Warriors assistant coach alongside John Ackland. Jones will also manage the club's pathways for all players.
"This is an area of the role which Matt places special value on in terms of his vision for the club," said Bell.
"It will see Stacey having the responsibility of ensuring all our young players progress to the different levels of the game at the appropriate stage of their development."
Stacey Jones
NRL career: 261 games* (1995-2005, 2009)
NRL points: 674* (77 tries, 176 goals, 14 field goals)
Test career: 46 tests (1995-2006)
Test points: 160 (16 tries, 47 goals, 2 field goals).
* Club records
