League: Jones exciting about kicking duty

When it comes to learning your trade, there are few better at goalkicking than Ivan Cleary, so it's hardly surprising that Stacey Jones has been standing in his shadow this summer.

Cleary averaged more than 80 per cent during his 11-year playing career and he's now passing on his knowledge as the Warriors' new attacking coach.

Despite having kicked with only mixed success in the past, Jones is full of excitement about replacing Brent Webb as goalkicker.

"I enjoy the job as it's always good to have the ability to help out the side in pressure situations," the champion halfback said.

"If I can help out the team with my kicking, then that's great.

"It's been one of Ivan's roles to sort out our kicking percentage, and the hard work is starting to pay off."

Jones' work with the boot has impressed coach Tony Kemp as the Warriors build up for their first game, against the Manly Sea Eagles at Ericsson Stadium on March 13.

He will get to hone his skills in the Warriors' final trial against a New Zealand President's Selection at North Harbour Stadium today.

"If you come down here and get behind the posts, you will see how well Stacey is striking the ball," Kemp said.

Jones had the kicking responsibilities in the 20-10 trial win against against the Parramatta Eels a fortnight ago, converting two out of four from the sideline.

Jones' kicking is not the only thing that has impressed Kemp and his coaching staff. The little general says he has never been slimmer or fitter in his 10 years at the club, which is a result of their new fitness regime, along with a prolonged break from the game after he sat out the Kiwis' Tri-Series campaign at the end of the year.

"We are running all the time this year, with an added emphasis on aerobic fitness as well as strength, and everyone is fitter than they have been before. It looks good," said the 28-year-old.

Jones is acutely aware that the side needs to get off to a good start after their miserable year last season when they finished second last.

He says the appointments of former team-mates Cleary and Kevin Campion add to the Warriors' chances of recapturing the form that saw them reach the 2002 grand final.

"It's great having them back at the club and they both bring great discipline and a strong work ethic," Jones explained.

"They are not long out of the game so they can relate to the players easily and understand what a player is going through. Kevin has been right among the boys, motivating them in all of the hard work."

The arrival of internationals Steve Price and Ruben Wiki has also added a great deal of experience, not least of all with the younger players. But Jones doesn't think it will change his role.

"Experience doesn't just go away because you have other roles - you cannot forget about being a leader," he said. "You have your own role but if you are an experienced player you have to contribute to the team in as many ways as you can."

The Warriors will field a strong side against the President's selection today and, with the exception of Price (shin), it is likely to be the line-up that will face the Sea Eagles in two weeks' time.

The President's side, coached by Warriors recruitment officer John Ackland and former Kiwis back rower Tawera Nikau, contains four of the Warriors' first-grade squad - Toshio Laiseni, Rowan Baxter, Cooper Vuna and Simon Mannering - along with former Warriors Ben Lythe and Odell Manuel.

Warriors:

Webb, Byrne, Martin, Toopi, Meli, Hohaia, Jones, Vilasanti, Fien, Tuimavave, Wiki, Guttenbeil. Interchange: Anderson, Paleaaesina, Latu, Ropati, Vatuvei, Koopu.


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