Rugby League: Reinforced Jones to lead cup assault

By PETER JESSUP

Halfback Stacey Jones is raring to go for rugby league's World Cup, having decided to forego surgery to remove the remaining supportive rod from the arm he broke late last year.

Jones fronted up with fellow Auckland Warrior Kiwis Joe Vagana and Logan Swann at the New Zealand Rugby League yesterday, where the trio and Warrior-turned-Bulldog Nigel Vagana were confirmed as members of the 23-man Kiwi squad for the World Cup in October-November.

"There's still some stiffness and soreness sometimes with bench presses and press-ups, but it feels much better and the docs have told me it will return to 100 per cent," said Jones, the crucial component in the Kiwis' Cup campaign.

He is feeling much more comfortable now, with two of three rods put in his arm to support the healing bones having been removed. The third, which runs lengthwise up the bone in the middle of the most vulnerable part of his left forearm, can remain indefinitely.

Jones said he had discussed the repair with his Warriors bosses and it was decided he was in no risk by playing at the cup.

The NZRL confirmed the 23-man squad as named in the Herald yesterday. Team medic Dr Tony Edwards had checked the recovery of captain Richie Barnett and Quentin Pongia and was yesterday convinced they would be fit to make the first game in England at the end of October.

Kiwi selector and assistant coach Graeme Norton said Barnett and Pongia were reportedly "training the house down" at Sydney City as their team-mates prepare for the NRL finals.

"We have three pool games where they will get the match-fitness required. At the same time we'll find out if Richie has overcome the confidence problem he might have."

Norton said the coaching team, including Junior Kiwis mentor Gary Kemble, planned to use the initial playoffs, the quarters and semifinals to peak for the seeded final against Australia.

Former Warrior Matthew Ridge was asked if he wanted to be considered in the squad but declined. He has, however, offered any help he can in kicking training.

New Zealand-qualified Brisbane Broncos second rower Brad Thorn was also approached, but declared he was chasing an All Black jersey via the NPC.

The Kiwis have named England-based former Warriors Gene Ngamu, Sean Hoppe and Brady Malam as standbys to cover injury, along with Newcastle's Paul Rauhihi. All bar Malam will go to the Maori World Cup squad if not called on before the two teams' departure on October 23. After that, Maori are Maori.

Kiwis Tony Puletua, Tasesa Lavea and Ali Lauiti'iti were also named by Samoa coach Darrell Williams in his 40-man train-on squad but have confirmed they are sticking with New Zealand.

The cup will be played under a merged rules arrangement.

There will be a 12-from-four replacement bench rather than unlimited interchange. Neutral referees will whistle when available, but there is agreement that the best referee will blow the final - book in Sydney policeman Bill Harrigan.

Television broadcast rights should be settled by next week. Sky have live rights here, and initially intended showing only the roundplay games involving the Kiwis and Aotearoa Maori. But yesterday they appeared to be buckling under pressure to screen all games involving South Pacific countries live.

Aotearoa Maori coach Cameron Bell names his squad on Monday.

He expects most players will be Australian-hardened in the NRL, some first grade and some first division. Others will come from the local Bartercard Cup, and there may be a couple from England.