Dobbo Could Replace Jones, Also Leuluai To Replace Jones In New Zealand Squad

[wigan rugby]

Taken From www.superleague.co.uk

Catalans Dragons will look overseas to plug the gap created by the retirement of rugby league legend Stacey Jones.

The 31-year-old scrum-half, widely known in his native New Zealand as "the little general", will play his last for the Catalans in their final engage Super League match against Harlequins in Perpignan next Saturday.

Dragons coach Mick Potter hinted at the return of Australian scrum-half Mick Dobson, who successfully filled in for Jones during his absence with a broken arm in 2006, and claimed former St George Illawarra half-back Matthew Head, currently on a short-term stint with Hull, could come into the reckoning.

"We’re looking at some options," he said. "It’s more than likely we’ll go overseas and there are a couple of young players we’re looking at.

"I haven’t been in touch with Dobbo but he’s an option if he wants to come back, as is Head, whose position is a bit transient."

Jones, who led the Catalans to an historic Wembley appearance in last month’s Carnegie Challenge Cup final, is quitting despite signing a new 12-month contract earlier this year.

The former Auckland Warrior had originally intended to play for only two years and he admitted his decision to play on was made in haste.

Potter has backed his captain’s about turn, even though it has created a massive hole in his ranks.

"I had planned for Stacey to carry on but it was a brave decision and for him I think it’s the right thing to do," said Potter. "He can go out on his terms."

Jones, who has twice come out of international retirement to play for the Kiwis, insists he will not be available for the autumn Test series against Great Britain, although he has agreed to play for the "All Golds" in their centenary international against the Northern Union in Warrington on October 20.

Wigan scrum-half Thomas Leuluai is likely to get the chance to succeed Jones as the Kiwis prepare for the dawn of a new era under coach Gary Kemble, the former Hull full-back who has taken over from Brian McClennan.

"Gary coached me when I played for the Junior Kiwis and I think he’ll do a good job," said Jones.

"I haven’t had a lot to do with him since then but I think he’s very passionate about the New Zealand jumper which is probably the most important thing as far as coaching New Zealand goes.

"It is a new era, with the coaching and losing Ruben (Wiki) and Nigel (Vagana) but they’ve Sonny Bill Williams, who hasn’t played for the Kiwis for a couple of years.

"I’d say they’ll still be a pretty tough team."

Jones won the Golden Boot in 2002 after being voted the world’s best player and two years ago was made an officer of the New Zealand order of merit for services to rugby league.

He made 238 appearances for the Warriors, captaining them to the only Grand Final appearance in 2001, and won than 40 caps for his country to leave an indelible mark on the game.

"I couldn’t say one moment was better than any other," he said. "I guess the NRL Grand Final was something special, even though losing was the worst.

"Going to Wembley was definitely a highlight and playing for New Zealand - beating the Aussies was pretty good."

Meanwhile, the Dragons are to cut French forwards Adel Fellous and Lionel Teixido from their engage Super League squad next season, although both will have the chance to work their way back through the club’s feeder team Union Treiziste Catalane in the French championship which kicks off next month.

Australian hooker Luke Quigley will make way for the return of Aaron Gorrell, who played only three matches before suffering a ruptured cruciate knee ligament.

[ste lord]

Give cats Lului and take dobbo back to the JJB

[mike binder]

imo as this got anything to do with the andrew Johns situation :conf:

[butt monkey]

mike binder posted:
imo as this got anything to do with the andrew Johns situation :conf:

You suggesting that they are all on Ecstasy Tablets?

[Shevi 4 life]

mike binder posted:
imo as this got anything to do with the andrew Johns situation :conf:

How?????

[shawcross da warrior]

ste lord great idea as soon as i saw it i thought the same thing get luluai out and get dobbo back to the jjb because he said on his final game on the presentation thing he hopes he comes and plays for wigan again........

so make it now.........