Hugh McGahan: Salute to Jones comes from the heart

Stacey Jones was rightfully the toast of rugby league last night and I rate him among the best to have ever played the game.

Having said that, I want to clarify some comments attributed to me by media outlets in relation to Jones.

Yes, I had reservations about Stacey's initial recruitment to play in 2009 and then possible retention for 2010. I didn't think it would be as advantageous as others suggested. In hindsight, I don't think I was wrong.

We glimpsed some of his best this season but he was let down by some of his team-mates which highlighted the expectation by many that Jones was going to take the team to the grand final.

That is why, based on those expectations, I had reservations. More to the point, I predicted his playing again was not going to enhance his celebrated status as possibly this country's greatest player ever. That was my opinion and only an opinion.

But a headline trumpeted 'McGahan says dump Jones' was not something I said and I would never be so callous.

I stand by my comments but the ruthlessness of the headline clouded the actual statements. It's something I cannot change.

I will not try again to justify those comments but I have been roundly criticised. Having played at the level I did gives me the credentials to make such remarks.

I have been a coach, administrator and board member so I am not limited, as labelled, as just a player.

Unlike those who seek to discredit the comments I make, I've been there, done that in more ways than one.

I again acknowledge the enormous impact Jones has had on rugby league. He is one of its great players and an absolute gentleman.

He will undoubtedly be remembered for his exploits and the tries scored for both for the Warriors and New Zealand.

To his team-mates he will be remembered for these feats and as the person with the huge grin who liked a joke and being around his mates.

His courage, willingness and desire to not let them down will be engraved on their memories forever.

This was revealed on more than one occasion when asked to 'don the boots' to help his mates. He did so considering them more than his own interests and the character of the man again came to fore.

When will we know another Stacey Jones? Will there ever be another?

Congratulations, Stacey.

It has been a thrill to watch you grow as a player and person. You deserve every accolade that has, and is still to, come your way.

As a former player and someone who has seen enough to know, you will be close to, if not alongside, the best rugby league players. You will also be gauged alongside the great sportspeople, and I mean the heavyweights, this country has produced. And rightly so. Your record speaks for itself.

Enjoy retirement.