He’s the underrated cog in the all-powerful New Zealand machine as the Kiwis push for World Cup glory.
Kiwis legend Stacey Jones may not have been able to reach the rugby league summit as a player, but as New Zealand’s head coach, “The Little General” is well positioned to help break a country’s 16-year-old tournament drought.
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Entering Saturday night’s do-or-die clash against Tonga, New Zealand are just two wins away from lifting up the World Cup trophy for the first time since 2010.
Jones’ star-studded outfit are flying after putting up 82 and 78 points in their last two games and are widely considered the favourites heading into the semis.
He wasn’t part of the Kiwis’ 2010 success as he hung up the boots the season prior. His best result as a player for New Zealand peaking in 2000 when the Kiwis lost in the final.
26 years later, he has a terrific chance for redemption.
THE LITTLE GENERAL
Jones is one of the most famous figures in New Zealand rugby league history.
The diminutive halfback debuted in the Warriors’ inaugural season back in 1995 as a 19-year-old, before forging a stellar 15-year career, which resulted in entry into the NRL Hall of Fame and the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame.
He played 261 games for the Warriors, amassing 674 points, and led the Warriors to a grand final in 2002.
His career at the international level was just as impressive. The 46 appearances at Test level is fourth all time in New Zealand history.
Jones also won a Golden Boot award in 2002.
Among his players, Jones has gravitas and commands respect given his CV.
He’s not the loudest person in the room, but he doesn’t need to be. His calm, affable nature is just what this team full of stars need.
“He’s been in our shoes before and he knows what’s needed and what we want as players,” Warriors and Kiwis star Erin Clark told foxsports.com.au.
“He keeps our days short but he makes sure that when we’re in meetings or we’re training, we’re fully focused and ripping in. That’s all he wants and that’s all he’s asked of us.”
THE TOP JOB
Jones, who has been an assistant coach at the Warriors for several years, took over from Michael Maguire as New Zealand’s head coach in February 2024.
Prior to that, he was on the Kiwis’ staff as an assistant since 2018.
The coaching styles of the pair couldn’t be any different.
Maguire is known for his hard line approach, while Jones is much more tactful in how he delivers his message across.
As a few New Zealand stars told foxsports.com.au, Jones rarely, if ever, is stressed which in turn creates a calm environment.
He also has the advantage over Maguire of being a New Zealand rugby league legend. His blood, sweat and tears are in the black and white as forward Scott Sorensen noted.
“You can tell how passionate he is for the jersey and how much it means to him,” Sorensen said.
“He’s got a great balance with the group knowing when it’s time to work and relax.
“He’s also very calculated and prepares extremely well.”
Halfback Jahrome Hughes revealed: “He brings that calm head. It feels like nothing ever stresses him out, which is good because it helps us be calm and simplifies it all for us.
“His best attribute is that he can simplify everything for everyone which makes all of our jobs easier.”
Clark echoed Hughes’ assessment.
The lock forward believes Jones’ player-friendly approach is favoured among the group, but that’s not to say players aren’t held accountable or let off the hook.
“It might not always show in his expression or the way he talks but he has his own ways to be fiery,” Clark said.
“He’ll pull you aside and say ‘I need you to do this or that’, but like I said, he’s got a real good balance.
“He knows when to be a coach and went to be a mate and I think as players nowadays, sometimes you need that bit of balance and to be approachable.”
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WHAT HIS FUTURE LOOKS LIKE
It’s so far been a strong start of the New Zealand era under Jones.
Heading into the Tonga clash, the Kiwis have won six of nine with Jones at the helm.
While the 2024 Pacific Championships were disappointing, the Kiwis bounced back to win the title 12 months later, dispatching of Tonga and Samoa.
It goes without saying though that if Jones is able to pull off a World Cup coup in a week’s time, his coaching prospects will strengthen significantly.
It’s unclear if Jones wants to lead an NRL side one day.
He’s been an assistant at the Warriors since 2017, but with Andrew Webster locked in long-term, it doesn’t appear Jones will win the top job at his former club anytime soon.
What may have been forgotten is that Jones has had some head coaching experience in the NRL. He was the Warriors’ interim coach in 2022 during what was very a tough patch for the club.
Again, it’s all speculative. Perhaps Jones is more than content holding the Kiwis job and continuing to provide a crucial role on Webster’s Warriors staff.
However, Sorensen believes it’s a no brainer if his national coach wants to step in and lead an NRL team down the track.
“Absolutely he does (have what it takes to be an NRL coach). 100%,” Sorensen said.
“He’s been in the game for a long time. He’s experienced a lot of things and if he decides to go down that avenue, he would be absolutely perfect for a NRL job.”