NRL: Warriors confident Jones will play the part

Warriors halfback Stacey Jones has been struggling with a groin injury. Photo / Getty Images

The New Zealand Warriors are hopeful Stacey Jones will play a full part in their crucial National Rugby League (NRL) Queensland road trip despite concerns over his groin injury.

The veteran playmaker survived the Warriors' final intensive training run ahead of tomorrow's departure for the Gold Coast, where they meet the third-placed Titans in round 16 action on Saturday night.

They then have a shortish turnaround before facing a Brisbane Broncos side fortified by the return of their State of Origin stars next Friday.

Jones suffered his latest injury during the first half of the Warriors' 13-0 shut out of the Newcastle Knights on June 12, though he did manage to see out the match.

The Warriors' second and final bye of the season could not have been better timed for the halfback, who has had extra time to recover.

Warriors head coach Ivan Cleary admitted Jones would have been a doubtful starter had the team played last week.

However, the break has given the 33-year-old scope to recuperate before the squad returned to training last Sunday.

"The doctors have said things are pretty good," Jones said.

"I'll be a little bit sore but you have to push on through."

Jones obviously shapes as a key contributor as the 11th-placed Warriors seek to construct a winning streak reminiscent of last year's mid-season resurgence.

The Warriors burst from down table obscurity by winning eight of their last 10 regular season matches - their form continued into the play-offs until they lost to premiers Manly in their preliminary final.

Twelve months on the Warriors face a similar predicament. Although only a point out of the top eight, the club no longer have the luxury of banking two points for a bye - and on paper they face a tougher run in than last season.

While Cleary was happy with the opportunity to refresh his personnel during the bye week, he said it was vital the Warriors rediscovered the defensive intensity that enabled them to keep the Knights scoreless in round 14.

"The performance (against Newcastle) was encouraging, but that was two weeks ago so we have start again.

"It's all about momentum."

He was pleased with the intensity of Sunday's get together after the squad were instructed to take a break from the game.

"We gave them a few days off and it was great to see them excited and keen to come back and get into it," he said.

"That's what you want out of a bye. You want them refreshed and you want them back pretty keen."

Cleary thought the opportunity to base themselves on the Gold Coast would be beneficial.

"In a perfect world, if you had two away games that's what you'd do.

"It'll be a change in surroundings and maybe different weather," he said.

Lance Hohaia, who partners Jones in the halves, agreed it would be useful not having to fly home before returning across the Tasman.

"It's a good chance for us to stick tight," he said.

"We've got two pretty big games that could define our season."

- NZPA