Silverware is new Harbour coach Jones' top priority

By CHRIS RATTUE

New North Harbour NPC coach Russell Jones believes the union can overcome the "Super 12 factor" and finally bring home some major silverware.

The 38-year-old Jones was a shoo-in to be named head coach, replacing the overseas-bound Wayne Shelford, once assistant Allan Pollock withdrew.

Pollock said uncertainty over his appointment helped to persuade him to join Japanese club Toyota, where he will co-coach with former Counties Manukau, Blues and Chiefs No 8 Errol Brain.

Pollock was also disappointed at being knocked back twice as Blues assistant, but intends returning to coach here in two years.

"I had uncertainty here, but certainty over there with a lot of zeros on the cheque," Pollock said.

Jones is of Awanui origins in the Far North, and a nephew of the late, great All Black No 8 Peter Jones.

He was the union's first fulltime team manager this year, and becomes their first full-time coach, on a two-year contract.

Jones will put his company, Harbour Properties, in "mothballs."

Jones was a one-season loose forward for North Auckland before joining North Shore and playing 70 games for North Harbour from 1988 to 1993. He endured three Ranfurly Shield defeats.

Harbour's attempts to win division one and the shield are theoretically harder these days because they are not a Super 12 base.

Jones said: "If a non-base union can win titles it is North Harbour.

"My brief is to win silverware.

"We have the socio-economic situation to do it.

"I don't care if we aren't a Super 12 base, but I want us to have Super 12 strength.

"Our support is fantastic but we need another 20 per cent commercial backing. Money is important these days."

It is understood that Harbour stalwarts Milan Yelavich, John McKittrick and Paul Feeney were the others to get final interviews.

It is also believed that Feeney, the mercurial former Harbour fullback, is Jones' preferred choice as assistant coach.

But Jones will be on a panel that appoints his assistant, indicating he is not being given a free hand.

Jones and Feeney are great mates and assisted Peter Thorburn with North Harbour in 1997.

It was hardly a vintage season, when they finished second-last, but Jones has had success with other Harbour teams - including at secondary schools, Colts and development squad levels, and with the Blues Colts.

Chief executive Doug Rollerson said: "He has come through our processes, is highly organised, a good man manager, and his teams have succeeded."

One of Jones' tasks will be to find a new first five-eighths - Frano Botica has retired and it is understood Willie Walker, recruited by the Highlanders as a fullback, will transfer to Otago.