KEY POINTS:
I thought nothing could excite the rugby league fraternity over the next few weeks while the World Cup takes shape, but surprises take different shapes and the Warriors delivered an early Christmas present with Stacey Jones coming out of retirement for one more season.
I really don't know how to decipher this news, as it is not really known how Stacey will be used over the course of the season.
It has been obvious the club has struggled without a halves pairing since his initial retirement from the NRL in 2005. I have been like a broken record about the lack of halfbacks in this country and it started long before Stacey retired.
Three years down the track and we have had to bring him out of his retirement to fill the void. Is this a good thing? Before I shoot my mouth off too early, I would like to understand how and what those within the Warriors organisation are thinking.
What is the rationale behind the move? Some outside and within the media would say it's a mistake, others will feel apprehensive, but until there is a clearer understanding of the motivation behind the decision it is too easy to criticise the same.
It went without saying that Stacey's experience was invaluable with the coaching he provided to the halves last year but imagine what those same players will gain if Stacey is to play next to them. What role and how much game time Stacey will be given from coach Ivan Cleary only time and form will determine but there has been some positive feedback since the announcement.
This is a huge risk for all concerned because there will be little sympathy from those ready to critique this decision before a ball is kicked in March 2009.
For Stacey, there is little to gain other than another trophy, albeit the Telstra Cup, the one all players want in their career.
The club receives the prestige of having him back and the marketing opportunities available to them. The coaches gain more experience after the retirement of Ruben Wiki and the players will gain some direction around the paddock.
But where do other players fit into the mix? Grant Rovelli, Michael Witt, Nathan Fien and new signings Joel Moon and Liam Foran are all fighting for the one remaining spot. Admittedly Fien can cover the hooking role and Lance Hohaia has more strings to his bow but will have the unenviable tag of super sub.
Obviously form will determine everyone's position but Stacey will start at halfback.
Yes, he will teach the younger players how to control the game but his real worth will be to make the Warriors a more potent force.
There is talk of Stacey playing a handful of games and as already stated, his form will determine his place but one aspect of his play that may see him start more games than not is goalkicking.
