September 14, 2024 • 40 mins
Rugby Kiwis head coach Stacey Jones joined Jason Pine live in the studio for a chat, discussing the upcoming Pacific Championship, the Warriors’ performance in 2024 and answering listener questions.
The Pacific Championship is set to kickoff late next month. The competition is two-tiered, with men’s and women’s teams from across the region competing for the Pacific Cup and the Pacific Bowl.
There will also be two match days in New Zealand with the grand finals to be played in Sydney on November 10.
The Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns will face off against the Kangaroos and Jillaroos in a double-header at Christchurch’s Apollo Projects Stadium on October 27, marking the Kiwis’ return to the city after five years and the Kiwi Ferns’ first South Island Test since 1998. The Kiwis will then take on Tonga at Auckland’s Go Media Stadium on November 2.
Meanwhile, Jones finalised his coaching staff for the Championship in July and it features six former Kiwis. Steve Price, Nathan Cayless and Adam Blair are assistant coaches. Stephen Kearney, the 2008 World Cup-winning Kiwis head coach, works in a culture and leadership adviser role while Daryl Halligan and David Solomona round out the team as kicking coach and wellbeing manager, respectively.
He told Piney that he’s excited to get into camp.
“I'm looking forward to the final series and players getting through unscathed.”
LISTEN ABOVE
Pacific Championship schedule
Sunday, October 27: Pacific Cup – New Zealand v Australia (men and women) at Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
Saturday, November 2: Pacific Cup – New Zealand v Tonga (men) at Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Sunday, November 3: Pacific Cup – New Zealand v Papua New Guinea (women) at Santos Stadium, Port Moresby
Sunday, November 10: Pacific Cup men’s and women’s Grand Final in Sydney, Australia
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Fine
from News Talk zed b February.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Stacy Jones confirmed as head coach of the Kiwis, having
served as an assistant coach with the New Zealand men's
side since twenty eighteen, eight seasons, as assistant coach with
the Warriors, and of course a decorated playing career, Stacy
joneses to the left.
Speaker 3 (00:27):
They've got number prov was here, Manly Jones.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Surely they must score.
Speaker 4 (00:31):
Jones's done, Stacy Jones, man they had three defenders.
Speaker 3 (00:35):
He beat Menzies and as he is done throughout his.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Career, Stacy Jones will.
Speaker 5 (00:41):
Get the Warriors home.
Speaker 2 (00:42):
Surely the clock is running down. Stacy Jones has the
ball on the last by hower Onick. In his career,
he goes out a winner. Here they called him the
Little General. Of course, more than three hundred and fifty
games at the highest level, he captain the Kiwis and
played forty six Tests for New Zealand, two hundred and
sixty one games for the Warriors, forty five matches for
the Catalan Dragons in Super League. He won the Golden
(01:04):
Boot in two thousand and two for best International Player,
inducted into the New Zealand Rugby League Legends of League,
Included in the New Zealand Rugby League Team of the Century,
Inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame and
the NRL Hall of Fame. Awarded the New Zealand Order
of Merit for services to Rugby League. Arguably the greatest
New Zealand Rugby league player of all time. Nice to
(01:26):
see you, mate, Yeah, Jason, thanks for having me. Now,
thanks for coming in Stace. So let's talk about the Kiwis.
How much are youre looking forward to taking charge as
head coach of the Kiwis for the first time.
Speaker 3 (01:35):
Yeah, very excited, Jason. You know when I got appointed
in February, it you know, it seems like a while
ago now, but it's getting closer now to actually doing
the real thing. Looking forward to getting into camp, looking
forward to the final series and players getting through unscathed.
But yeah, you know, first game in Christs against Australia,
(01:56):
then back in Auckland versus Tonga which will be really tough.
So just yes, really excited.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
What was the process like Was it like a job interview?
Speaker 3 (02:05):
Did you have?
Speaker 2 (02:06):
How many interviews? Did you have.
Speaker 3 (02:08):
I had a couple. It was it was a process
that took me out of my comfort zone. Hadn't done
one of these before, and you know, I felt I
I worked really hard to put stuff together and give
my vision of you know why I think I should
should be the coach. And look I had people around
(02:28):
me that that that have been really supportive around this.
So in particular, you know the Cameron George and Andrew Webster,
Mark Robinson at the Warriors, so really supportive for me
to do this.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
Yeah, I was going to ask that. So they encouraged you.
They didn't necessarily think that it would be something that
would distract you from your gig at the Warriors. They
saw it as complimentary.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
No, they sawt of They said, it adds value, you know,
me being in that environment and will make me a
better coach. And yeah, look I was very fortunate to
have them right behind.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
Me as Kiwi's coach. How much of it is making
those guys want to play for the Jersey.
Speaker 3 (03:09):
Yeah, I was very fortunate to be involved last year,
in particular with the success we had and and how
connected that group of players are. I'm very blessed of
having a really strong leadership group that that know what
they want. And the really good thing Michael Maguide did
last year was he gave a lot of ownership to
(03:31):
the players, and I feel I've got to continue down
that path. You know. The senior leadership group of James Fisher, Harris,
Jerome Hughes, Joe Tappany Nelson Solomoner, Karen Forren, a really
strong group of players, rarely experienced, and they will know
how to win when when games of rugby league, which
(03:54):
certainly makes it a bit easier.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
What does that ownership look like, Oh, look, it's.
Speaker 3 (03:59):
It's meeting with them and talking about the week, what
they want and the balance of that obviously what what
I need from them. The good thing about these guys
that don't take shortcuts, you know, they they're clear on
what they want and I've got to be clear on
what I give them.
Speaker 2 (04:16):
How different is it from an NRL environment?
Speaker 3 (04:20):
Uh? Yeah, very different. A couple of reasons. You know,
you're you're dealing with the elite players. Worries is there
is all different ranges of players, a shorter campaign obviously,
and and I guess you know, playing for your country,
you know, and you know I was fortunate enough again
to play for the keywis and know the connection, the
(04:44):
brotherhood and all of that, and this group of players
have continued that.
Speaker 2 (04:50):
Is that something that you you play on a lot
when when you're together because these are the best players, right,
as long as you get your selection right, you've got
the best players. So do you and wanted to unpack
this connection element again? Do you talk a lot about
connection during your time? What do you talk more about
how we're going to defend today?
Speaker 3 (05:11):
Again, it's the balance, So you know, the first couple
of days is about that and finding out what we
you know, what we want to achieve, how we're going
to go about it, and then then it just flows,
you know, they just you love being in camp as
a group, your limited time and that so it's really
(05:34):
the first couple of days is pretty important about the
bonding side of things.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
How do you bring you guys in, what's the what's
the process around bringing new players in?
Speaker 3 (05:41):
Yeah, last year, we you know, we had a strong
cultural part of element about ourselves, you know, not just
multi culture, our Pacific Island culture and you know, the
young players making sure that you know they're welcomed and
this is what this group is really good, no matter
how experienced you are or you know, there's no real
(06:05):
you've got to do something really bad to earn it.
You know, the scroup. As soon as you're in that
that team, you're a part of the team.
Speaker 2 (06:11):
Was that the same for you when you came into
the keywis.
Speaker 3 (06:13):
A little bit different, I think, but we old school. Yeah,
you know, I probably had to do a few more,
had to make sure that. You know, the older players
probably wash their boots or carry their bag and stuff
like that. But no things abserlutinly certainly changed, but there's
some some traditions strong. Because part of part of me
about this this team is also understanding our past, you know,
(06:38):
understanding where where the jersey was and where it is
now and also understanding our future. So when you.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
Were are you keen then for your players to know
the history of the team in terms of other they
We won the World Cup in this year and this
was a very famous game and this guy played fifty games.
Is that the kind of thing you're talking about?
Speaker 3 (06:56):
Yeah, it's important, and one good thing I want to
do is make sure that we can get some old
boys around around the group. You know, our first week
down in christ Church. You know, I'm trying to think
of who's a player, you know, that's come from the
South Island that I can you know, get around the
group a little bit. And the first person that sprung
(07:17):
to mind was Simon Mannering. You know what a legend
of the game he was. And all these players in
this team will understand where Simon's come from. And I
spoke to Simon the other day and he's really keen
to skiter, And I said, Simon, you don't have to
come in and say a big speech or anything like that.
I might get you to put some cones out on
the field and whatnot. But he just loves that sort
of stuff, Simon, and I know that these players will
(07:39):
really respect it and enjoy having around him for a
little bit.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
When you're gonna name your squad.
Speaker 3 (07:45):
So September thirty, my understanding, I've just been given guidelines.
We've got a name a thirty man squad. We've got
a wider squad at the moment, and it's a pretty
wide squad, but we're going to need it by the
sounds with players dropping out for through injury. Yeah, and
then it'll cut back to twenty one players?
Speaker 2 (08:06):
Are you likely to keep faith with most of the
guys who are involved availability pending of course, who were
involved in the thirty knil last year been Australia in
that final is likely to be the same, same guys likely.
Speaker 3 (08:19):
But some players will be unavailable. You know one Joey
Marnin who's going to rugby, so he won't be a
part of squad and he's been a massive part of
this team for quite some time. And then players injured
to there's a couple of injuries that you know, we've
got to deal with. So exciting, but there's there's a
good core group of players from last year. But I'm
(08:42):
also super excited about you know, someone making their debut.
Speaker 6 (08:46):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
Stacy Jones in the studio with us, will take your
calls if you like, eight hundred and eighty, ten eighty,
or text your questions through to nine to two. Nine
to two. They're starting to come in now, so we'll
try and get to get some of those questions. Just
on the players who definitely won't be there. Is there
anybody who categorically won't be there because either they're injured,
they're resting, or they're having off season surgery.
Speaker 3 (09:07):
Yeah, Dylan Brown uh injured his knee last round of
the the our season, so he needs surgery. He's going
to be up for some time, so he's unavailable. Karen
Forren is having ankle surgery, sorry, had ankle surgery yesterday,
so he won't be there. And Ah, I'm just trying
(09:30):
to think who else there's Well, Brandon Smith wasn't there
last year, but he's injured too, so he would have
definitely been in considerations. So yeah, tough, but you know,
give someone else an opportunity.
Speaker 2 (09:44):
You are a bunch of guys who are playing finals
as well, right, you're probably are you watching these games?
I think there's only one of the one of the
eight teams that doesn't have guys who are eligible if
you want to pick them. Are you watching these games
with their fingers crossed?
Speaker 3 (09:54):
Certainly am Jason. I'm watching it hoping no one gets
injured and also like hoping that they just they play
good footing and you know, enter our final series, the
game goes to another level.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
Absolutely, you might not be able to answer this question,
but chance to call Klickstar was the only Warrior last
year in the kiwis Might we see some more Warriors
in the Kiwis.
Speaker 3 (10:17):
Yeah, so chances is definitely in the in the picture
Murada near Cordo was unavailable last year, so he's he's
in contention. So yeah, there's a couple. I've just made
a big wider squad, Jason, So yeah, just September thirty.
Well know who's in that thirty?
Speaker 2 (10:39):
And it is it the case that you basically submit
a list and then the NRL approach the players and say, hey,
the Kiwis want you to play? Do you want to play?
Speaker 3 (10:48):
Is that how it works yet that the New Zealand
Rugby League, So Motu Tony or Nadine Conlin now our manager.
The selectors come up with a list and then we
give that list to the New Zealand Rugby League, which
is more to a Nadine, and then they approached the
clubs and say these are the players that are in contention,
and then the club will get back to us and
(11:09):
say he's not in contention because he needs surgery or
he needs something right, and then yeah, but look, I'm
on the phone quite a bit to a lot of
the players around different things over the years. But right
at the moment, I'm just letting them play forty all
the ones that are finished to have a good break.
Speaker 2 (11:25):
I would imagine if I was a player in the
phone rang it with Stacy Jones, I'd pick it up
and say, yeah, I'll play you do. I know you'd
never say it. But is a personal approach valuable in
these situations?
Speaker 3 (11:37):
Definitely? Yeah, definitely, And you've got to be careful to
around these things too. So me and more two will two.
Tony the general manager of News and Rugby League, did
a trip to Australia when when we had a buy
and we got around to a lot of players and
it was just group conversation too that you boys are
all in contention and you know they certainly want to
play for their country. Brilliant.
Speaker 2 (11:58):
Your assistant coaches, man, it's an all star cast, Steve Price,
Nathan Kaylas, Adam Blair, Darryl Helligan's your kicking coach, David Solomona,
well being manager did and Stephen Kearney though culture and
leadership advisor. I know he stepped away from coaching and
probably you know, we didn't know whether it was going
to come back in. But as culture and leadership advisor,
what does that role entail?
Speaker 3 (12:18):
Yeah? So all those people you named were all part
of the setup last year, so I wanted to keep
things as familiar as possible. And Stephen Kearney was part
of that too, So he came in for the first
three or four days and what we spoke about the
connection and culture side of it. He drove all of that, Steve,
and he was a big part of why we were
(12:40):
successful in the group. So I wanted Steve to be
around the whole time instead of just two three days.
So we don't have a mental skills coach as such,
So I feel Steven's, you know, well well experienced for
a role like that, and I know that when he
spoke to the group around the jersey and the culture
(13:03):
and the connection, they all listened. You know, He's arguably
been our most successful Kiwi's coach. So for me, as
a you know, a coach coming in to take over
the team, he's certainly going to be someone that I'm
going to rely on.
Speaker 2 (13:19):
Have you always covered to this role the head coach
of the Kewis or how long have you been thinking
about the possibility of you doing that job?
Speaker 3 (13:27):
Good question, Jason. Look, when I came on board with
Michael McGuire, when he first took on the job. You know,
he he's such passionate, so passionate about about what he does.
And one thing he said to myself and Nathan Kaliss
that I want you to want you two to be
(13:48):
the next Key Wei's coach. That's my job to get
you ready for that. So when he spoke to us
around that that, I thought, oh, this would be yeah,
why not? So I've got to thank you know, Michael
McGuire for for probably shoving me in that direction.
Speaker 2 (14:06):
Do you have aspirations to be an nrl A head coach? I?
Speaker 3 (14:10):
Look, I did the interim job for the Warriors when
we were based in Redcliffe, and look, I learned a lot.
You know, it was really it was more man management
than actual coaching. So but I you know, I get
to see how Andrew Webster works every day really close,
and look it's it's a pretty full on job and
(14:32):
how he goes about about things is brilliant.
Speaker 2 (14:35):
So no, I don't all right, fair enough good to
have that, to have that clean up look like you
never say never. I'm sure you know you might. You
might love being Key's head coach and all of a sudden,
you coach to the Warriors. You know you never say
never just before we go to a break, who gives
if a halftime spray is needed? Who gives that?
Speaker 3 (14:52):
Is that you I think? So? Yeah, Look, you know
it's one thing I want to be be right with.
Has been clear with messaging, making sure everyone knows their role.
So obviously if someone's not doing their job, then you
know there's there will be a time where you might
have to hey, come on, boys. But I've learnt also
(15:15):
from a lot of other coaches and everyone does it
their own way. Like our coach now, Andrew Webster. He's
no big spray from him, but it's clear and you
know when he's angry, you know, So I feel you've
got to be your own person too around around these things. Again,
I'll use Michael MacGuire as example. You know when you
(15:36):
get a spray, he certainly gives it. So yeah, take
a bit from from every coach is that you've learnt from,
but be.
Speaker 2 (15:44):
Yourself wonderful Stacy Jones, our guest. It's one twenty three.
A few text rolling in. I'll ask some questions in
a moment. You can call too, Greg Hold there will
get your question in a moment oh, eight hundred eighty
ten eighty back in a second on Weekend Sport one
twenty six on News Talks there. But yeah, great delight
to have Stacy Jones and studio taking your calls on
eight hundred eighty ten eighty. We've done a lot on
(16:04):
the Kiwis. But I know there are some Warriors questions,
including one I think from you Greg you're on with Stacy.
Speaker 4 (16:10):
Yeah, he again, Jason. Good to see you as a
good Kiwi man coaching the Kiwis. But I would like
to know what a similar squad in the Warriors from
to last year. Why did we finish where we finished?
Speaker 3 (16:31):
Ah? Yeah, thanks thanks for the question. Yeah, yeah, very
disappointing season and lots of lots of different reasons for that.
Obviously consistency with the team last year. I thought we
put out a similar team just about every week. Halves, combinations,
(16:52):
edge combinations, and you know, we just got hurt there
too many times where we were just chopping and changing
and we couldn't get any consistency. That was part of it.
But there's lots of different things, you know, and I
can't go into too many details, but you know, there
were players having you know, problems away from the game
(17:13):
and just probably not there in the right headspace. And look,
it certainly wasn't complacency, because that was one big thing
that we spoke about leading into the season, that you know,
teams will come after us now and we've got to
be ready. So it wasn't that. Yeah, look, lots of
different things, but for me, it was just we just
weren't consistent enough. We you know, last year, you know,
(17:38):
there were tight games and we'd win them, and this
year the tight games we lost, you know, so that,
in a nutshell, that was it. We did a massive
review for two weeks, and you know we've just come
off that. So yeah, first and foremost, Yeah, we were disappointing.
Speaker 2 (17:54):
Thanks for your call, Greg. Do you feel optimistic states
having had the review?
Speaker 3 (17:58):
Yeah, certainly. Look, it was very thorough. The first week
was individuals players, and then the second week it was
us as coaches reviewing ourselves, and you know, we were
put through some pretty thorough, thorough stuff and we feel
that we're you know, we're heading in the right direction
(18:18):
as far as what we've got to do next year
to get better. You know, we've we've recruited some really
good players some young kids that have had a bit
of a taste of enter our footy. We need them
to be to step up more this year. So yeah,
very very very optimistic for the next year.
Speaker 2 (18:36):
All right, let's get back to the lines a Peta Harmer.
You got a question for Stacy James.
Speaker 7 (18:42):
Yeah, thanks, Boyne curt of Stace just the key we
So you said Dylan and Karen are out for this
test or the series. I leave us a bit thin,
ay and the halves just thinking. So I suppose you're
I know you're naming the squad in September, but.
Speaker 5 (19:03):
It's partner Jerome.
Speaker 8 (19:05):
I'm just thinking about in the NRL and no names
are coming to mind. And just another question around eligibility, Jack,
how it's from Melbourne's KEI eligible, he's had He's had
a good year this year.
Speaker 3 (19:20):
Yeah, thanks for that question. Yeah, Karen and and Dylana
are unfortunately unavailable. Both have had surgery, one to z
ankle and one to the knee. And yeah, it does
leave us a little bit thin in the halves, so
I've got to get my thinking cap on. We do
have some options there. I will you know once we're
(19:43):
closer to the time, you know, we'll share that. But
h and your question around Jack Ol, Yeah, he was
part of our Kiwi's A team last year that that
was a really good concept. Unfortunately, for financial reasons, we
couldn't get that off the ground again and Jack was
part of that. Unfortunately, we're trying hard to make Jack
(20:07):
put on the black and white jersey, but there's a
there's another team a marine jersey that are also interested
in him. Say, I'm working hard with him. I'm working
hard with Jerome Hughes to get him over the line.
But he's playing some really good footing in an exciting
young prospect.
Speaker 2 (20:26):
So just to clarify, and this is probably a silly question,
but I'll ask on me half of the audience and myself.
If you play for the Key, which you can't play Origin.
Speaker 3 (20:33):
That's correct.
Speaker 2 (20:34):
Yeah, that eliminates you from Origin forever.
Speaker 3 (20:38):
Basically, I'm not one hundred percent short. What I do
know is Adam vanour Blake played thirty minutes for the
Kiwis in twenty seventeen and hasn't played for them since.
Grew up in New South Wales. He's got Kiwi parents
and he yeah, he can't play for the New South
Wales where he grew up with. So that's the stuff
(21:00):
we're dealing with, and I'd like for them to change
their rules around that to make it easier for someone
like that to you know, to represent his state where
they grow up, but also their heritage or their culture
for the country.
Speaker 2 (21:14):
Can you can you see that happening?
Speaker 1 (21:18):
Uh?
Speaker 3 (21:19):
Look, if the players get right behind it, the r
l p A, it possibly could, but it certainly why
above my head?
Speaker 2 (21:27):
Yeah, let's talk half. So Jerome Jerome Huges, okay, isn't.
Speaker 3 (21:30):
He He's okay? Yeah, but he's got to get through
you know, a fair amount of footing. He's playing tonight
against Crinulla. Yeah. Oh, he's had an outstanding year and
he was a huge part of our team last year.
I worked closely with Jerome last year, but part of
my roles was with the the spine, the key playmakers
and and he's such a talent and he just the
(21:53):
year he's had this year has been been unrealized. I'd
say he should be hot favorite to take out the daily.
Speaker 2 (22:00):
Speaking of halves, where does Sean Johnson sit among the
players you've worked alongside?
Speaker 3 (22:05):
Yeah, right there. Unfortunately for Sean, you know, his body
told him, you know, it was enough. And he had
Thelles problem that you know he got early in the preseason,
couldn't couldn't quite shake it off. But I saw him
grow last year. I saw him grow to another level
as as far as his understanding of the game. You know,
(22:29):
the way he communicates, Yeah, he's right up there. And
you know, if Sean wants to go down the path
of being involved in the game at a level of coaching,
he'll make a really good one.
Speaker 2 (22:41):
Do you think he had any second thoughts, like back
into the back end of the season, even the last game.
It was a bit of a fairy tale, wasn't it
the way he threw a you know, through a try
passed with his last act basically, do you think any
part of him thought I could go around again?
Speaker 3 (22:56):
I know the middle of the year there was, But
then when the injury came, and you know that the
pressure that he was under, the pressure he puts on
himself to perform week and week out, Yeah it was there.
But but then his body told him it was enough.
And you know, the last couple of weeks he he
(23:17):
just enjoyed himself and that Sharks game, he just he
just said give me the ball of you my last
roll of the dice here, and you know we saw
what he could do.
Speaker 2 (23:26):
Listen, he says, going to try and convince Seawan Johnson
to come back.
Speaker 3 (23:30):
I have spoken to short I said, if we get
any more injuries, would you consider say, look, I haven't
ruled it out. He hasn't ruled it out, but look
it's a bit of a long shot. I know where
where Sean is at, and look, I'm not gonna put
a huge amount of pressure on him. But I've just
told Sean that I know where you're at, and I
(23:52):
know where you sit in my mind. Say, nothing will
surprise you.
Speaker 2 (23:56):
You're talking about from a Keywis point.
Speaker 3 (23:57):
Of view here, Well, yeah, I just I mentioned it
to Sean. But he he you know, when he decided
he was going to retire, he decided he was going
to retire. But jeez, if I get any more injuries.
Speaker 2 (24:11):
If Jerome Hughes goes down, you might need him. Just
in terms of uh, I'm interested, and I think our
audience are interested in Sean inside the team environment. We
see the public face, he does media, he does post
match that sort of thing. How integral is he inside
or has he been inside the Warriors team environment.
Speaker 3 (24:30):
Shawn Johnson Massive. You know, you look at Sean like
there's a lot of kids playing the game because of Sean,
and he's right up there with you know, as far
as demand, you know, he gets you know, whenever we
go to Australia, everyone knows Sean and you know he's
(24:52):
a very respectful person. You know, he knows what comes
with the territory as far as what he has to do.
There's commitments off the field, he has a lot of them,
but the way he presents himself, you know, Sean is
you know, he's an unbelievable speaker, the way he communicates
(25:12):
to the group. So he's a he's a huge part
of the club and you know he'll be a huge
part of the club, you know even though he's retired.
Speaker 2 (25:20):
So did do you think he'll stay connected to the game.
Speaker 3 (25:23):
I think he will. But I know with Sean, he
likes challenges in life. He likes to do lots of things.
So it'll tell you. He'll just say over the next
few weeks when I last spoke to him, that he's
going to just nut out a few things and I'm
sure that he'll still be a part of the Warriors.
Speaker 2 (25:41):
I spoke to him a couple of years ago and
and he was, you're right, he speaks so well. And
I asked him about how he handled the fact that
when the Warriors lose at Sean Johnson's fault, you know,
in the eyes of a lot of people, did you
see him struggle with those challenges internally?
Speaker 3 (25:59):
The biggest the biggest thing I saw with Sean was
when we're based in Redcliffe, when he you know, when
he came back to the club after his stint with Cranala,
and the hardest thing there for Sean was was he
was away from his family. Like he rarely wanted to
keep playing the game. He wanted to get back to Auckland,
be around his his family, his friends. What Sean is
(26:22):
really close to his to his family and his friends too.
I know he's got a tight knit group there. And
I saw struggles there. I saw struggles when we were
in Redcliffe and he wore that really hard. And even then,
you know, you know, he was probably thinking about you know,
finishing up, but he wanted to get home. He wanted
(26:44):
to get home. And Andrew Webster was a huge part
of where Sean got to last year Andrew Webs and
also Rich Aeger, who who's our edge coach, and he
made Sean look at the game a little bit differently too,
and they took him to another level.
Speaker 2 (27:03):
Eric and tomtow Martin gets first crack at the seven
jump the next year.
Speaker 4 (27:06):
Yah.
Speaker 3 (27:07):
Yeah, so that's a good question. Unfortunately to Mighty, he's
unavailable too for the Keywis. He's injured. He had a
he had neck surgery, so he's very tough. One thing
about tomorrow, we are a lot of people don't understand
what he went through this year. He heard his neck
and he was just so sore every time he went
(27:28):
into a tackle or made a tackle. Unfortunately. Yeah, it
was tough on him and he had to get surgery.
I think with about a month ago. It was just
time was up for him and he got it done.
So yeah, he's going to come back a better player
next year. He got some really good experience when Shortman
was out handled the team really well. So yeah, it's
going to be interesting. You got you got to Mighty,
(27:50):
you got Chanelle Harris Devita and and Luke Mtcalfe.
Speaker 4 (27:55):
You know.
Speaker 3 (27:56):
So yeah, there's a couple of a few good choices here.
Speaker 2 (28:00):
You normally carry would you normally carry four halves? Would
you want another one?
Speaker 3 (28:03):
Generally you'd carry four. So we've got Jack Clary, Nathan
Cleary's brother coming to the club. So he's only young,
but you know he'll train first grade. And yes, he's
anything like his brother. Exciting.
Speaker 2 (28:18):
He was good last night, wasn't he, Nathan? Yeah, it's annoying,
isn't it. He comes back from injury and plays like that.
Speaker 3 (28:22):
He's world class.
Speaker 2 (28:23):
Absolutely. All right, let's go back to the lines. Jordan,
you've got a question for Stace.
Speaker 4 (28:28):
Yeah, hey, Piney cut to Stacy, god to Jordan.
Speaker 9 (28:31):
Yeah, nice to meet mate. Just going through last season's
results and looking through them as a package, the biggest
thing that stood out to me as a massive fand
was just how many games we lost in that mid
thirty to forty point range. And also, you know, on
the other end, we're not getting to thirty points. And
I think it's in the NRL if you're conceding thirty
(28:54):
to forty points, very difficult a Stace.
Speaker 3 (28:57):
Oh, very difficult. I think the benchmark is like eighteen points.
You know, if you can see more than eighteen points,
then you know, you're going to be in for a
tough day, and yeah, we conceded way too many. I
just I felt we just from the previous year, we
were more resilient on our trylight. There's a stat, okay,
(29:20):
and we were. We were second last year as far
as it was tackles, So it took teams twenty one
tackles on average if they got inside our twenty meters
zone where they're attacking our trial, and took them average
twenty one tackles to break us. This year it was nine.
You know, so we went from second best to the
(29:41):
second last, and that just showed we just the resilience.
You know, we just faulted too easily.
Speaker 2 (29:49):
Thanks for your Carl, Jordan. Just before we take a break.
A lot of people have asked about crowds. They just
kept on turning up, didn't they at at go medium
out Smart Stadium week after week after week. In fact,
entire season was sold out. Why do you think the
Warriors have established such a strong connection with their fans.
Speaker 3 (30:06):
Oh, there's lots of reasons. Obviously, what the club does,
the way that they promote the club, and look, I'm
not a person that uses social media, but you know,
we have a really good social media team, we have
a good game day team, and the experience of coming
along to the game, you know. Obviously performance helps helps
(30:28):
that too.
Speaker 9 (30:28):
You know.
Speaker 3 (30:28):
And you know, we had some really good games this
year too that you know, the boys played really well
at home and obviously some disappointing ones. So it's just
the whole package, you know, the whole package that the
club delivers, the game day day experience, you know, and
you see all different types of people come to our games,
you know, young kids, you know, teenagers, boys day out, grandparandparents, Yeah, grandparents.
(30:55):
It's just a really neat family, family day experience.
Speaker 2 (30:58):
It's the best show in town, that's for sure. Stacy
Jones is our guest until two o'clock. It's nineteen to two.
We're back with more after this into two full border
course for Stacy Jones are not surprisingly Let's try and
get a few more out. Dave, your question for Stacy, how.
Speaker 6 (31:15):
Hard was it for you to lose Michael McGuire after
that amazing thirty nerl grubbing of Australia.
Speaker 3 (31:25):
Yeah, Dave, Yeah, very tough. Obviously, you know what he
brought to the to the team, his passion around what
he does, and I'm certainly grateful for what he done
for me as far as helping me, letting me be
involved as an assistant for the Keywis under his whole time.
And yeah, very very difficult to lose a coach when
(31:48):
you when you come off something like that. I know
because I was, you know, when we lost the World
Cup or lost the semi finals to Australia and straight
away he was thinking how are we going to get back?
How are we going to keep doing this? You know,
So the passion and that that he bought was second
to none and something that I learned a lot from.
Speaker 2 (32:06):
Appreciate the question, Dave, Thanks indeed lyle question from you.
Speaker 10 (32:11):
Yeah, obviously there's no such thing as a week Kangaroos side. Well,
last year's final what but different? Not Ywis were just
so good, but we're about on the field. Do you
think you probably have an advantage over them?
Speaker 3 (32:25):
Yeah, hey lol, thanks for the question. Yeah. Look, the
strength of Kiwi rugby league has always been physical and
that's part of the game that that we need to
hold on to. I feel that we're we're more physical
team than the Australians at this moment, like like the
(32:46):
middle forward pact that we have. You know, you're looking
at them playing in the n r L. They dominate,
you know, they dominate for their for their club. So
I feel that there's an edge there that we've got
to be be physical and we've got to take it
to them. I know that Tongue physical as well. So
this this, this competition, this Thorn, it's going to be
(33:07):
really tough.
Speaker 2 (33:08):
Yeah, a couple of big test matches, Larle, thanks for
your question. Key's Australia. Christ Here. It's Sunday, October twenty seven,
hearing that is close to being sold out. Key's Tongue
of Mount Smart Saturday November two, and then the final
featuring two of the three sides in Sydney Sunday, November
the tenth. Donald, you're up. What's your question for Stacy?
Speaker 7 (33:26):
Yes, Stacey, good to talk to your mate.
Speaker 3 (33:29):
Donald.
Speaker 9 (33:29):
Do you think there's enough room in New Zealand for
two clubs Northaran the South Iron Club.
Speaker 3 (33:35):
Yeah, good question. And it's been been around, pushed around
for the last few years. And look it's going to
take a big investment and I feel like, you know,
the NRAL got to get right behind it. I think
there is room right now, probably not, but you know,
in year's time if they're looking at expansion, yeah, I
(33:58):
can't see why not. But there's got to be a
huge investment from from somewhere in the NRAL got to
get right behind it and push it. So, you know,
we rugby union is a big code in this country
and you know it will certainly make in roads into that.
We you know that the player opportunities that will come
with it will be will be huge.
Speaker 2 (34:18):
Yeah, in our old derby as well. Thanks, Donald, appreciate it.
And this could be bung or bunge depending on how
you pronounce it.
Speaker 6 (34:24):
How are you, mate, Yeah, I'm good mate, House things
very good.
Speaker 2 (34:27):
You got a question for Stacy Jones.
Speaker 6 (34:30):
Yeah, yeah, I've got a question Stacey's, specially around pre
season training and what the difference was. I was heavily
involved in two thousand and five with your pre season
training in war if you remember that one, I do remember, yeah.
Speaker 3 (34:49):
Yeah, I remember you well.
Speaker 6 (34:51):
Yeah, the physicality of the pack is up there with
everybody or with anybody, and from year and year out
for the last few years, but we were done a
lot of leadership, resilience and performing under adversity while you're
extremely fatigued. Was that something that was we were drilled
(35:15):
into the boys pre season this year as much as
say last year or the year before, where the determination
and the fortitude under pressure seemed to be so much better.
Speaker 3 (35:27):
Yeah, very good question. Pre seasons, we get it. Uh,
you know, a lot of teams do do Army Camp
style trainings, and they don't do it every year. It's
probably one every five years. Teams teams would do it.
And we looked at that and again I think I said,
how you know, we weren't resilient enough on the trial line,
(35:48):
and then that's that's mental as well. We've got to
put ourselves in these situations. And part of our review
was looking at we've got to do more game stuff
where we put players under pressure but also try to
perform with the skill as well. So we felt we
didn't do enough of that. We didn't put the players
into in precious situations enough at training for them to
(36:11):
take it on the field. And there were reasons why
we didn't do it. Wasn't like we we didn't want
to do it. It was just trying to find the
right time and space to do it. But it's certainly
right at the front of our mind heading into this preseason.
Speaker 2 (36:24):
And one before we go to the break on text,
who was your idol growing up?
Speaker 3 (36:28):
I look, I didn't have one idol, but you know
what I really loved. My idol was the nineteen eighty
five k we Ta. I remember going to Carlo Park
and watching them beat Australia and you know it was
Clayton's friend and Mark Graham, Humaghan Olson, James Lulaway, What
a team, Kemball, what to take? Gary Prime? You know
(36:48):
they were my That was my idol. That that that
era of team.
Speaker 2 (36:54):
Ten to two. Back to mop up the final few
questions with Stacy James when we come back seven to two. Cameron,
you got the last question for Stacy James.
Speaker 5 (37:03):
Yes, thanks guys. Hey, look, Stacy, when I am at
the Kiwis team, I see our halves. We have probably
the strongest running halves in the competition. I mean, I
think Matthew John's called Jerome Hughes the strongest giver. And
I'm just wondering, like when you we sort of seem
to lack of like a little general gets a players
like you in your mold when you get into those
(37:25):
Kiwis environments. How much time do you get to coax them?
And how much time is all man management because of
the short time frame you get within those players.
Speaker 3 (37:35):
Yeah, Cameron, good question. Yeah, you don't get a lot
of time, and the beauty of having experienced halves like
Jerome and the team and a good leadership group sort
of helps you with that. So Jerome's a very strong
run over the footy. His game's gone to another level.
His kicking game is certainly exceptional. So you're very lucky
(37:56):
to have someone like Jerome and the team because you
know a lot of it has play lead to you know,
and you've got to let them express themselves.
Speaker 2 (38:04):
Thanks for your call, Cameron, Thanks for your question. Thanks
for all your questions. I'm sorry we couldn't get to
all of them. Just a couple of quick fire for
me to finish. How does Stacy Jones relax?
Speaker 3 (38:14):
I don't mind a punt and a bear. I've got
a horse racing today and you're part ownership of a horse,
so Quintessa Race seven in Flemington. So yeah, I enjoy that.
You know, good mates with other people in the club,
like Cameron. George's part of that too, So we'll go
away and have a quiet beer and a punt. I
(38:37):
love that. I'm just in my family too, you know.
So I love spending time with my family around stuff,
and yeah, when it's footy that you don't have much
time for much else.
Speaker 1 (38:47):
You know.
Speaker 3 (38:47):
My parents live up in the Far North. My dad's
a farmer, so I love getting up there and getting
on the farm and helping out wherever I can, so
get my hands dirty and stuff like that. So yeah,
it's pretty cool.
Speaker 2 (38:58):
And can you walk around freely without being pieted, you
know by fans wanting to talk rugby league or get
a selfie?
Speaker 3 (39:05):
Ye, and it's pretty good. I'm left alone. Really, it's
pretty cool.
Speaker 2 (39:10):
I would have thought that you'd be you'd be mobbed
at shopping mores and things like that. Right, final couple.
If there was a one hundred meter sprint with the
current Warriors squad, who would win that.
Speaker 3 (39:19):
One hundred meters sprint? I would say Luke metcalfe.
Speaker 2 (39:24):
Metcalfe.
Speaker 3 (39:26):
Interesting, Luke mccalffe.
Speaker 2 (39:27):
I thought one of the outside of that name is zip. Okay,
what about a three k run?
Speaker 3 (39:31):
A three k run freddy lassic?
Speaker 2 (39:33):
Yeah, Actually I wrote down Freddy Lustic. I thought he
might be quite a quite a demon on the three
K run, all right? And what about a bench press?
Speaker 3 (39:41):
Bench press bunty for all right?
Speaker 2 (39:46):
And finally, if everyone you ever played with wasn't a
last man standing first fight, who would be the last
man standing that?
Speaker 3 (39:55):
I'd want?
Speaker 2 (39:55):
No, No, everyone you've ever played with, everybody you're in
it as well. Who'd be the last man standing in
an all in first fight involving every player you've ever played?
Speaker 4 (40:04):
Well?
Speaker 3 (40:04):
Geez, you got Monty Betham here go, well, you go well,
Arwen Good and bial Kevin Campion. I don't know I'm
out of those three. I don't know who, all right,
not you though not me, certainly not me. I'll be
behind arward.
Speaker 2 (40:17):
For all your stuff. Stace, it's been a great pleasure
to have you in studio. Thanks for being so generous
with your time. Our listeners have loved it, so I
really appreciate you popping.
Speaker 3 (40:24):
It my pleasure. Thank you, Jason, thanks for having me.
Speaker 2 (40:25):
Stacy Jones our guest here on News Talks, THEREB and
Weekend Sport. Gotta get him back sometime soon. News Next
to Too.
Speaker 1 (40:33):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine. Listen live
to news talks edb weekends from midday, or follow the
podcast on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Fine
from News Talk zed b February.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Stacy Jones confirmed as head coach of the Kiwis, having
served as an assistant coach with the New Zealand men's
side since twenty eighteen, eight seasons, as assistant coach with
the Warriors, and of course a decorated playing career, Stacy
joneses to the left.
Speaker 3 (00:27):
They've got number prov was here, Manly Jones.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Surely they must score.
Speaker 4 (00:31):
Jones's done, Stacy Jones, man they had three defenders.
Speaker 3 (00:35):
He beat Menzies and as he is done throughout his.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Career, Stacy Jones will.
Speaker 5 (00:41):
Get the Warriors home.
Speaker 2 (00:42):
Surely the clock is running down. Stacy Jones has the
ball on the last by hower Onick. In his career,
he goes out a winner. Here they called him the
Little General. Of course, more than three hundred and fifty
games at the highest level, he captain the Kiwis and
played forty six Tests for New Zealand, two hundred and
sixty one games for the Warriors, forty five matches for
the Catalan Dragons in Super League. He won the Golden
(01:04):
Boot in two thousand and two for best International Player,
inducted into the New Zealand Rugby League Legends of League,
Included in the New Zealand Rugby League Team of the Century,
Inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame and
the NRL Hall of Fame. Awarded the New Zealand Order
of Merit for services to Rugby League. Arguably the greatest
New Zealand Rugby league player of all time. Nice to
(01:26):
see you, mate, Yeah, Jason, thanks for having me. Now,
thanks for coming in Stace. So let's talk about the Kiwis.
How much are youre looking forward to taking charge as
head coach of the Kiwis for the first time.
Speaker 3 (01:35):
Yeah, very excited, Jason. You know when I got appointed
in February, it you know, it seems like a while
ago now, but it's getting closer now to actually doing
the real thing. Looking forward to getting into camp, looking
forward to the final series and players getting through unscathed.
But yeah, you know, first game in Christs against Australia,
(01:56):
then back in Auckland versus Tonga which will be really tough.
So just yes, really excited.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
What was the process like Was it like a job interview?
Speaker 3 (02:05):
Did you have?
Speaker 2 (02:06):
How many interviews? Did you have.
Speaker 3 (02:08):
I had a couple. It was it was a process
that took me out of my comfort zone. Hadn't done
one of these before, and you know, I felt I
I worked really hard to put stuff together and give
my vision of you know why I think I should
should be the coach. And look I had people around
(02:28):
me that that that have been really supportive around this.
So in particular, you know the Cameron George and Andrew Webster,
Mark Robinson at the Warriors, so really supportive for me
to do this.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
Yeah, I was going to ask that. So they encouraged you.
They didn't necessarily think that it would be something that
would distract you from your gig at the Warriors. They
saw it as complimentary.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
No, they sawt of They said, it adds value, you know,
me being in that environment and will make me a
better coach. And yeah, look I was very fortunate to
have them right behind.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
Me as Kiwi's coach. How much of it is making
those guys want to play for the Jersey.
Speaker 3 (03:09):
Yeah, I was very fortunate to be involved last year,
in particular with the success we had and and how
connected that group of players are. I'm very blessed of
having a really strong leadership group that that know what
they want. And the really good thing Michael Maguide did
last year was he gave a lot of ownership to
(03:31):
the players, and I feel I've got to continue down
that path. You know. The senior leadership group of James Fisher, Harris,
Jerome Hughes, Joe Tappany Nelson Solomoner, Karen Forren, a really
strong group of players, rarely experienced, and they will know
how to win when when games of rugby league, which
(03:54):
certainly makes it a bit easier.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
What does that ownership look like, Oh, look, it's.
Speaker 3 (03:59):
It's meeting with them and talking about the week, what
they want and the balance of that obviously what what
I need from them. The good thing about these guys
that don't take shortcuts, you know, they they're clear on
what they want and I've got to be clear on
what I give them.
Speaker 2 (04:16):
How different is it from an NRL environment?
Speaker 3 (04:20):
Uh? Yeah, very different. A couple of reasons. You know,
you're you're dealing with the elite players. Worries is there
is all different ranges of players, a shorter campaign obviously,
and and I guess you know, playing for your country,
you know, and you know I was fortunate enough again
to play for the keywis and know the connection, the
(04:44):
brotherhood and all of that, and this group of players
have continued that.
Speaker 2 (04:50):
Is that something that you you play on a lot
when when you're together because these are the best players, right,
as long as you get your selection right, you've got
the best players. So do you and wanted to unpack
this connection element again? Do you talk a lot about
connection during your time? What do you talk more about
how we're going to defend today?
Speaker 3 (05:11):
Again, it's the balance, So you know, the first couple
of days is about that and finding out what we
you know, what we want to achieve, how we're going
to go about it, and then then it just flows,
you know, they just you love being in camp as
a group, your limited time and that so it's really
(05:34):
the first couple of days is pretty important about the
bonding side of things.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
How do you bring you guys in, what's the what's
the process around bringing new players in?
Speaker 3 (05:41):
Yeah, last year, we you know, we had a strong
cultural part of element about ourselves, you know, not just
multi culture, our Pacific Island culture and you know, the
young players making sure that you know they're welcomed and
this is what this group is really good, no matter
how experienced you are or you know, there's no real
(06:05):
you've got to do something really bad to earn it.
You know, the scroup. As soon as you're in that
that team, you're a part of the team.
Speaker 2 (06:11):
Was that the same for you when you came into
the keywis.
Speaker 3 (06:13):
A little bit different, I think, but we old school. Yeah,
you know, I probably had to do a few more,
had to make sure that. You know, the older players
probably wash their boots or carry their bag and stuff
like that. But no things abserlutinly certainly changed, but there's
some some traditions strong. Because part of part of me
about this this team is also understanding our past, you know,
(06:38):
understanding where where the jersey was and where it is
now and also understanding our future. So when you.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
Were are you keen then for your players to know
the history of the team in terms of other they
We won the World Cup in this year and this
was a very famous game and this guy played fifty games.
Is that the kind of thing you're talking about?
Speaker 3 (06:56):
Yeah, it's important, and one good thing I want to
do is make sure that we can get some old
boys around around the group. You know, our first week
down in christ Church. You know, I'm trying to think
of who's a player, you know, that's come from the
South Island that I can you know, get around the
group a little bit. And the first person that sprung
(07:17):
to mind was Simon Mannering. You know what a legend
of the game he was. And all these players in
this team will understand where Simon's come from. And I
spoke to Simon the other day and he's really keen
to skiter, And I said, Simon, you don't have to
come in and say a big speech or anything like that.
I might get you to put some cones out on
the field and whatnot. But he just loves that sort
of stuff, Simon, and I know that these players will
(07:39):
really respect it and enjoy having around him for a
little bit.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
When you're gonna name your squad.
Speaker 3 (07:45):
So September thirty, my understanding, I've just been given guidelines.
We've got a name a thirty man squad. We've got
a wider squad at the moment, and it's a pretty
wide squad, but we're going to need it by the
sounds with players dropping out for through injury. Yeah, and
then it'll cut back to twenty one players?
Speaker 2 (08:06):
Are you likely to keep faith with most of the
guys who are involved availability pending of course, who were
involved in the thirty knil last year been Australia in
that final is likely to be the same, same guys likely.
Speaker 3 (08:19):
But some players will be unavailable. You know one Joey
Marnin who's going to rugby, so he won't be a
part of squad and he's been a massive part of
this team for quite some time. And then players injured
to there's a couple of injuries that you know, we've
got to deal with. So exciting, but there's there's a
good core group of players from last year. But I'm
(08:42):
also super excited about you know, someone making their debut.
Speaker 6 (08:46):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
Stacy Jones in the studio with us, will take your
calls if you like, eight hundred and eighty, ten eighty,
or text your questions through to nine to two. Nine
to two. They're starting to come in now, so we'll
try and get to get some of those questions. Just
on the players who definitely won't be there. Is there
anybody who categorically won't be there because either they're injured,
they're resting, or they're having off season surgery.
Speaker 3 (09:07):
Yeah, Dylan Brown uh injured his knee last round of
the the our season, so he needs surgery. He's going
to be up for some time, so he's unavailable. Karen
Forren is having ankle surgery, sorry, had ankle surgery yesterday,
so he won't be there. And Ah, I'm just trying
(09:30):
to think who else there's Well, Brandon Smith wasn't there
last year, but he's injured too, so he would have
definitely been in considerations. So yeah, tough, but you know,
give someone else an opportunity.
Speaker 2 (09:44):
You are a bunch of guys who are playing finals
as well, right, you're probably are you watching these games?
I think there's only one of the one of the
eight teams that doesn't have guys who are eligible if
you want to pick them. Are you watching these games
with their fingers crossed?
Speaker 3 (09:54):
Certainly am Jason. I'm watching it hoping no one gets
injured and also like hoping that they just they play
good footing and you know, enter our final series, the
game goes to another level.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
Absolutely, you might not be able to answer this question,
but chance to call Klickstar was the only Warrior last
year in the kiwis Might we see some more Warriors
in the Kiwis.
Speaker 3 (10:17):
Yeah, so chances is definitely in the in the picture
Murada near Cordo was unavailable last year, so he's he's
in contention. So yeah, there's a couple. I've just made
a big wider squad, Jason, So yeah, just September thirty.
Well know who's in that thirty?
Speaker 2 (10:39):
And it is it the case that you basically submit
a list and then the NRL approach the players and say, hey,
the Kiwis want you to play? Do you want to play?
Speaker 3 (10:48):
Is that how it works yet that the New Zealand
Rugby League, So Motu Tony or Nadine Conlin now our manager.
The selectors come up with a list and then we
give that list to the New Zealand Rugby League, which
is more to a Nadine, and then they approached the
clubs and say these are the players that are in contention,
and then the club will get back to us and
(11:09):
say he's not in contention because he needs surgery or
he needs something right, and then yeah, but look, I'm
on the phone quite a bit to a lot of
the players around different things over the years. But right
at the moment, I'm just letting them play forty all
the ones that are finished to have a good break.
Speaker 2 (11:25):
I would imagine if I was a player in the
phone rang it with Stacy Jones, I'd pick it up
and say, yeah, I'll play you do. I know you'd
never say it. But is a personal approach valuable in
these situations?
Speaker 3 (11:37):
Definitely? Yeah, definitely, And you've got to be careful to
around these things too. So me and more two will two.
Tony the general manager of News and Rugby League, did
a trip to Australia when when we had a buy
and we got around to a lot of players and
it was just group conversation too that you boys are
all in contention and you know they certainly want to
play for their country. Brilliant.
Speaker 2 (11:58):
Your assistant coaches, man, it's an all star cast, Steve Price,
Nathan Kaylas, Adam Blair, Darryl Helligan's your kicking coach, David Solomona,
well being manager did and Stephen Kearney though culture and
leadership advisor. I know he stepped away from coaching and
probably you know, we didn't know whether it was going
to come back in. But as culture and leadership advisor,
what does that role entail?
Speaker 3 (12:18):
Yeah? So all those people you named were all part
of the setup last year, so I wanted to keep
things as familiar as possible. And Stephen Kearney was part
of that too, So he came in for the first
three or four days and what we spoke about the
connection and culture side of it. He drove all of that, Steve,
and he was a big part of why we were
(12:40):
successful in the group. So I wanted Steve to be
around the whole time instead of just two three days.
So we don't have a mental skills coach as such,
So I feel Steven's, you know, well well experienced for
a role like that, and I know that when he
spoke to the group around the jersey and the culture
(13:03):
and the connection, they all listened. You know, He's arguably
been our most successful Kiwi's coach. So for me, as
a you know, a coach coming in to take over
the team, he's certainly going to be someone that I'm
going to rely on.
Speaker 2 (13:19):
Have you always covered to this role the head coach
of the Kewis or how long have you been thinking
about the possibility of you doing that job?
Speaker 3 (13:27):
Good question, Jason. Look, when I came on board with
Michael McGuire, when he first took on the job. You know,
he he's such passionate, so passionate about about what he does.
And one thing he said to myself and Nathan Kaliss
that I want you to want you two to be
(13:48):
the next Key Wei's coach. That's my job to get
you ready for that. So when he spoke to us
around that that, I thought, oh, this would be yeah,
why not? So I've got to thank you know, Michael
McGuire for for probably shoving me in that direction.
Speaker 2 (14:06):
Do you have aspirations to be an nrl A head coach? I?
Speaker 3 (14:10):
Look, I did the interim job for the Warriors when
we were based in Redcliffe, and look, I learned a lot.
You know, it was really it was more man management
than actual coaching. So but I you know, I get
to see how Andrew Webster works every day really close,
and look it's it's a pretty full on job and
(14:32):
how he goes about about things is brilliant.
Speaker 2 (14:35):
So no, I don't all right, fair enough good to
have that, to have that clean up look like you
never say never. I'm sure you know you might. You
might love being Key's head coach and all of a sudden,
you coach to the Warriors. You know you never say
never just before we go to a break, who gives
if a halftime spray is needed? Who gives that?
Speaker 3 (14:52):
Is that you I think? So? Yeah, Look, you know
it's one thing I want to be be right with.
Has been clear with messaging, making sure everyone knows their role.
So obviously if someone's not doing their job, then you
know there's there will be a time where you might
have to hey, come on, boys. But I've learnt also
(15:15):
from a lot of other coaches and everyone does it
their own way. Like our coach now, Andrew Webster. He's
no big spray from him, but it's clear and you
know when he's angry, you know, So I feel you've
got to be your own person too around around these things. Again,
I'll use Michael MacGuire as example. You know when you
(15:36):
get a spray, he certainly gives it. So yeah, take
a bit from from every coach is that you've learnt from,
but be.
Speaker 2 (15:44):
Yourself wonderful Stacy Jones, our guest. It's one twenty three.
A few text rolling in. I'll ask some questions in
a moment. You can call too, Greg Hold there will
get your question in a moment oh, eight hundred eighty
ten eighty back in a second on Weekend Sport one
twenty six on News Talks there. But yeah, great delight
to have Stacy Jones and studio taking your calls on
eight hundred eighty ten eighty. We've done a lot on
(16:04):
the Kiwis. But I know there are some Warriors questions,
including one I think from you Greg you're on with Stacy.
Speaker 4 (16:10):
Yeah, he again, Jason. Good to see you as a
good Kiwi man coaching the Kiwis. But I would like
to know what a similar squad in the Warriors from
to last year. Why did we finish where we finished?
Speaker 3 (16:31):
Ah? Yeah, thanks thanks for the question. Yeah, yeah, very
disappointing season and lots of lots of different reasons for that.
Obviously consistency with the team last year. I thought we
put out a similar team just about every week. Halves, combinations,
(16:52):
edge combinations, and you know, we just got hurt there
too many times where we were just chopping and changing
and we couldn't get any consistency. That was part of it.
But there's lots of different things, you know, and I
can't go into too many details, but you know, there
were players having you know, problems away from the game
(17:13):
and just probably not there in the right headspace. And look,
it certainly wasn't complacency, because that was one big thing
that we spoke about leading into the season, that you know,
teams will come after us now and we've got to
be ready. So it wasn't that. Yeah, look, lots of
different things, but for me, it was just we just
weren't consistent enough. We you know, last year, you know,
(17:38):
there were tight games and we'd win them, and this
year the tight games we lost, you know, so that,
in a nutshell, that was it. We did a massive
review for two weeks, and you know we've just come
off that. So yeah, first and foremost, Yeah, we were disappointing.
Speaker 2 (17:54):
Thanks for your call, Greg. Do you feel optimistic states
having had the review?
Speaker 3 (17:58):
Yeah, certainly. Look, it was very thorough. The first week
was individuals players, and then the second week it was
us as coaches reviewing ourselves, and you know, we were
put through some pretty thorough, thorough stuff and we feel
that we're you know, we're heading in the right direction
(18:18):
as far as what we've got to do next year
to get better. You know, we've we've recruited some really
good players some young kids that have had a bit
of a taste of enter our footy. We need them
to be to step up more this year. So yeah,
very very very optimistic for the next year.
Speaker 2 (18:36):
All right, let's get back to the lines a Peta Harmer.
You got a question for Stacy James.
Speaker 7 (18:42):
Yeah, thanks, Boyne curt of Stace just the key we
So you said Dylan and Karen are out for this
test or the series. I leave us a bit thin,
ay and the halves just thinking. So I suppose you're
I know you're naming the squad in September, but.
Speaker 5 (19:03):
It's partner Jerome.
Speaker 8 (19:05):
I'm just thinking about in the NRL and no names
are coming to mind. And just another question around eligibility, Jack,
how it's from Melbourne's KEI eligible, he's had He's had
a good year this year.
Speaker 3 (19:20):
Yeah, thanks for that question. Yeah, Karen and and Dylana
are unfortunately unavailable. Both have had surgery, one to z
ankle and one to the knee. And yeah, it does
leave us a little bit thin in the halves, so
I've got to get my thinking cap on. We do
have some options there. I will you know once we're
(19:43):
closer to the time, you know, we'll share that. But
h and your question around Jack Ol, Yeah, he was
part of our Kiwi's A team last year that that
was a really good concept. Unfortunately, for financial reasons, we
couldn't get that off the ground again and Jack was
part of that. Unfortunately, we're trying hard to make Jack
(20:07):
put on the black and white jersey, but there's a
there's another team a marine jersey that are also interested
in him. Say, I'm working hard with him. I'm working
hard with Jerome Hughes to get him over the line.
But he's playing some really good footing in an exciting
young prospect.
Speaker 2 (20:26):
So just to clarify, and this is probably a silly question,
but I'll ask on me half of the audience and myself.
If you play for the Key, which you can't play Origin.
Speaker 3 (20:33):
That's correct.
Speaker 2 (20:34):
Yeah, that eliminates you from Origin forever.
Speaker 3 (20:38):
Basically, I'm not one hundred percent short. What I do
know is Adam vanour Blake played thirty minutes for the
Kiwis in twenty seventeen and hasn't played for them since.
Grew up in New South Wales. He's got Kiwi parents
and he yeah, he can't play for the New South
Wales where he grew up with. So that's the stuff
(21:00):
we're dealing with, and I'd like for them to change
their rules around that to make it easier for someone
like that to you know, to represent his state where
they grow up, but also their heritage or their culture
for the country.
Speaker 2 (21:14):
Can you can you see that happening?
Speaker 1 (21:18):
Uh?
Speaker 3 (21:19):
Look, if the players get right behind it, the r
l p A, it possibly could, but it certainly why
above my head?
Speaker 2 (21:27):
Yeah, let's talk half. So Jerome Jerome Huges, okay, isn't.
Speaker 3 (21:30):
He He's okay? Yeah, but he's got to get through
you know, a fair amount of footing. He's playing tonight
against Crinulla. Yeah. Oh, he's had an outstanding year and
he was a huge part of our team last year.
I worked closely with Jerome last year, but part of
my roles was with the the spine, the key playmakers
and and he's such a talent and he just the
(21:53):
year he's had this year has been been unrealized. I'd
say he should be hot favorite to take out the daily.
Speaker 2 (22:00):
Speaking of halves, where does Sean Johnson sit among the
players you've worked alongside?
Speaker 3 (22:05):
Yeah, right there. Unfortunately for Sean, you know, his body
told him, you know, it was enough. And he had
Thelles problem that you know he got early in the preseason,
couldn't couldn't quite shake it off. But I saw him
grow last year. I saw him grow to another level
as as far as his understanding of the game. You know,
(22:29):
the way he communicates, Yeah, he's right up there. And
you know, if Sean wants to go down the path
of being involved in the game at a level of coaching,
he'll make a really good one.
Speaker 2 (22:41):
Do you think he had any second thoughts, like back
into the back end of the season, even the last game.
It was a bit of a fairy tale, wasn't it
the way he threw a you know, through a try
passed with his last act basically, do you think any
part of him thought I could go around again?
Speaker 3 (22:56):
I know the middle of the year there was, But
then when the injury came, and you know that the
pressure that he was under, the pressure he puts on
himself to perform week and week out, Yeah it was there.
But but then his body told him it was enough.
And you know, the last couple of weeks he he
(23:17):
just enjoyed himself and that Sharks game, he just he
just said give me the ball of you my last
roll of the dice here, and you know we saw
what he could do.
Speaker 2 (23:26):
Listen, he says, going to try and convince Seawan Johnson
to come back.
Speaker 3 (23:30):
I have spoken to short I said, if we get
any more injuries, would you consider say, look, I haven't
ruled it out. He hasn't ruled it out, but look
it's a bit of a long shot. I know where
where Sean is at, and look, I'm not gonna put
a huge amount of pressure on him. But I've just
told Sean that I know where you're at, and I
(23:52):
know where you sit in my mind. Say, nothing will
surprise you.
Speaker 2 (23:56):
You're talking about from a Keywis point.
Speaker 3 (23:57):
Of view here, Well, yeah, I just I mentioned it
to Sean. But he he you know, when he decided
he was going to retire, he decided he was going
to retire. But jeez, if I get any more injuries.
Speaker 2 (24:11):
If Jerome Hughes goes down, you might need him. Just
in terms of uh, I'm interested, and I think our
audience are interested in Sean inside the team environment. We
see the public face, he does media, he does post
match that sort of thing. How integral is he inside
or has he been inside the Warriors team environment.
Speaker 3 (24:30):
Shawn Johnson Massive. You know, you look at Sean like
there's a lot of kids playing the game because of Sean,
and he's right up there with you know, as far
as demand, you know, he gets you know, whenever we
go to Australia, everyone knows Sean and you know he's
(24:52):
a very respectful person. You know, he knows what comes
with the territory as far as what he has to do.
There's commitments off the field, he has a lot of them,
but the way he presents himself, you know, Sean is
you know, he's an unbelievable speaker, the way he communicates
(25:12):
to the group. So he's a he's a huge part
of the club and you know he'll be a huge
part of the club, you know even though he's retired.
Speaker 2 (25:20):
So did do you think he'll stay connected to the game.
Speaker 3 (25:23):
I think he will. But I know with Sean, he
likes challenges in life. He likes to do lots of things.
So it'll tell you. He'll just say over the next
few weeks when I last spoke to him, that he's
going to just nut out a few things and I'm
sure that he'll still be a part of the Warriors.
Speaker 2 (25:41):
I spoke to him a couple of years ago and
and he was, you're right, he speaks so well. And
I asked him about how he handled the fact that
when the Warriors lose at Sean Johnson's fault, you know,
in the eyes of a lot of people, did you
see him struggle with those challenges internally?
Speaker 3 (25:59):
The biggest the biggest thing I saw with Sean was
when we're based in Redcliffe, when he you know, when
he came back to the club after his stint with Cranala,
and the hardest thing there for Sean was was he
was away from his family. Like he rarely wanted to
keep playing the game. He wanted to get back to Auckland,
be around his his family, his friends. What Sean is
(26:22):
really close to his to his family and his friends too.
I know he's got a tight knit group there. And
I saw struggles there. I saw struggles when we were
in Redcliffe and he wore that really hard. And even then,
you know, you know, he was probably thinking about you know,
finishing up, but he wanted to get home. He wanted
(26:44):
to get home. And Andrew Webster was a huge part
of where Sean got to last year Andrew Webs and
also Rich Aeger, who who's our edge coach, and he
made Sean look at the game a little bit differently too,
and they took him to another level.
Speaker 2 (27:03):
Eric and tomtow Martin gets first crack at the seven
jump the next year.
Speaker 4 (27:06):
Yah.
Speaker 3 (27:07):
Yeah, so that's a good question. Unfortunately to Mighty, he's
unavailable too for the Keywis. He's injured. He had a
he had neck surgery, so he's very tough. One thing
about tomorrow, we are a lot of people don't understand
what he went through this year. He heard his neck
and he was just so sore every time he went
(27:28):
into a tackle or made a tackle. Unfortunately. Yeah, it
was tough on him and he had to get surgery.
I think with about a month ago. It was just
time was up for him and he got it done.
So yeah, he's going to come back a better player
next year. He got some really good experience when Shortman
was out handled the team really well. So yeah, it's
going to be interesting. You got you got to Mighty,
(27:50):
you got Chanelle Harris Devita and and Luke Mtcalfe.
Speaker 4 (27:55):
You know.
Speaker 3 (27:56):
So yeah, there's a couple of a few good choices here.
Speaker 2 (28:00):
You normally carry would you normally carry four halves? Would
you want another one?
Speaker 3 (28:03):
Generally you'd carry four. So we've got Jack Clary, Nathan
Cleary's brother coming to the club. So he's only young,
but you know he'll train first grade. And yes, he's
anything like his brother. Exciting.
Speaker 2 (28:18):
He was good last night, wasn't he, Nathan? Yeah, it's annoying,
isn't it. He comes back from injury and plays like that.
Speaker 3 (28:22):
He's world class.
Speaker 2 (28:23):
Absolutely. All right, let's go back to the lines. Jordan,
you've got a question for Stace.
Speaker 4 (28:28):
Yeah, hey, Piney cut to Stacy, god to Jordan.
Speaker 9 (28:31):
Yeah, nice to meet mate. Just going through last season's
results and looking through them as a package, the biggest
thing that stood out to me as a massive fand
was just how many games we lost in that mid
thirty to forty point range. And also, you know, on
the other end, we're not getting to thirty points. And
I think it's in the NRL if you're conceding thirty
(28:54):
to forty points, very difficult a Stace.
Speaker 3 (28:57):
Oh, very difficult. I think the benchmark is like eighteen points.
You know, if you can see more than eighteen points,
then you know, you're going to be in for a
tough day, and yeah, we conceded way too many. I
just I felt we just from the previous year, we
were more resilient on our trylight. There's a stat, okay,
(29:20):
and we were. We were second last year as far
as it was tackles, So it took teams twenty one
tackles on average if they got inside our twenty meters
zone where they're attacking our trial, and took them average
twenty one tackles to break us. This year it was nine.
You know, so we went from second best to the
(29:41):
second last, and that just showed we just the resilience.
You know, we just faulted too easily.
Speaker 2 (29:49):
Thanks for your Carl, Jordan. Just before we take a break.
A lot of people have asked about crowds. They just
kept on turning up, didn't they at at go medium
out Smart Stadium week after week after week. In fact,
entire season was sold out. Why do you think the
Warriors have established such a strong connection with their fans.
Speaker 3 (30:06):
Oh, there's lots of reasons. Obviously, what the club does,
the way that they promote the club, and look, I'm
not a person that uses social media, but you know,
we have a really good social media team, we have
a good game day team, and the experience of coming
along to the game, you know. Obviously performance helps helps
(30:28):
that too.
Speaker 9 (30:28):
You know.
Speaker 3 (30:28):
And you know, we had some really good games this
year too that you know, the boys played really well
at home and obviously some disappointing ones. So it's just
the whole package, you know, the whole package that the
club delivers, the game day day experience, you know, and
you see all different types of people come to our games,
you know, young kids, you know, teenagers, boys day out, grandparandparents, Yeah, grandparents.
(30:55):
It's just a really neat family, family day experience.
Speaker 2 (30:58):
It's the best show in town, that's for sure. Stacy
Jones is our guest until two o'clock. It's nineteen to two.
We're back with more after this into two full border
course for Stacy Jones are not surprisingly Let's try and
get a few more out. Dave, your question for Stacy, how.
Speaker 6 (31:15):
Hard was it for you to lose Michael McGuire after
that amazing thirty nerl grubbing of Australia.
Speaker 3 (31:25):
Yeah, Dave, Yeah, very tough. Obviously, you know what he
brought to the to the team, his passion around what
he does, and I'm certainly grateful for what he done
for me as far as helping me, letting me be
involved as an assistant for the Keywis under his whole time.
And yeah, very very difficult to lose a coach when
(31:48):
you when you come off something like that. I know
because I was, you know, when we lost the World
Cup or lost the semi finals to Australia and straight
away he was thinking how are we going to get back?
How are we going to keep doing this? You know,
So the passion and that that he bought was second
to none and something that I learned a lot from.
Speaker 2 (32:06):
Appreciate the question, Dave, Thanks indeed lyle question from you.
Speaker 10 (32:11):
Yeah, obviously there's no such thing as a week Kangaroos side. Well,
last year's final what but different? Not Ywis were just
so good, but we're about on the field. Do you
think you probably have an advantage over them?
Speaker 3 (32:25):
Yeah, hey lol, thanks for the question. Yeah. Look, the
strength of Kiwi rugby league has always been physical and
that's part of the game that that we need to
hold on to. I feel that we're we're more physical
team than the Australians at this moment, like like the
(32:46):
middle forward pact that we have. You know, you're looking
at them playing in the n r L. They dominate,
you know, they dominate for their for their club. So
I feel that there's an edge there that we've got
to be be physical and we've got to take it
to them. I know that Tongue physical as well. So
this this, this competition, this Thorn, it's going to be
(33:07):
really tough.
Speaker 2 (33:08):
Yeah, a couple of big test matches, Larle, thanks for
your question. Key's Australia. Christ Here. It's Sunday, October twenty seven,
hearing that is close to being sold out. Key's Tongue
of Mount Smart Saturday November two, and then the final
featuring two of the three sides in Sydney Sunday, November
the tenth. Donald, you're up. What's your question for Stacy?
Speaker 7 (33:26):
Yes, Stacey, good to talk to your mate.
Speaker 3 (33:29):
Donald.
Speaker 9 (33:29):
Do you think there's enough room in New Zealand for
two clubs Northaran the South Iron Club.
Speaker 3 (33:35):
Yeah, good question. And it's been been around, pushed around
for the last few years. And look it's going to
take a big investment and I feel like, you know,
the NRAL got to get right behind it. I think
there is room right now, probably not, but you know,
in year's time if they're looking at expansion, yeah, I
(33:58):
can't see why not. But there's got to be a
huge investment from from somewhere in the NRAL got to
get right behind it and push it. So, you know,
we rugby union is a big code in this country
and you know it will certainly make in roads into that.
We you know that the player opportunities that will come
with it will be will be huge.
Speaker 2 (34:18):
Yeah, in our old derby as well. Thanks, Donald, appreciate it.
And this could be bung or bunge depending on how
you pronounce it.
Speaker 6 (34:24):
How are you, mate, Yeah, I'm good mate, House things
very good.
Speaker 2 (34:27):
You got a question for Stacy Jones.
Speaker 6 (34:30):
Yeah, yeah, I've got a question Stacey's, specially around pre
season training and what the difference was. I was heavily
involved in two thousand and five with your pre season
training in war if you remember that one, I do remember, yeah.
Speaker 3 (34:49):
Yeah, I remember you well.
Speaker 6 (34:51):
Yeah, the physicality of the pack is up there with
everybody or with anybody, and from year and year out
for the last few years, but we were done a
lot of leadership, resilience and performing under adversity while you're
extremely fatigued. Was that something that was we were drilled
(35:15):
into the boys pre season this year as much as
say last year or the year before, where the determination
and the fortitude under pressure seemed to be so much better.
Speaker 3 (35:27):
Yeah, very good question. Pre seasons, we get it. Uh,
you know, a lot of teams do do Army Camp
style trainings, and they don't do it every year. It's
probably one every five years. Teams teams would do it.
And we looked at that and again I think I said,
how you know, we weren't resilient enough on the trial line,
(35:48):
and then that's that's mental as well. We've got to
put ourselves in these situations. And part of our review
was looking at we've got to do more game stuff
where we put players under pressure but also try to
perform with the skill as well. So we felt we
didn't do enough of that. We didn't put the players
into in precious situations enough at training for them to
(36:11):
take it on the field. And there were reasons why
we didn't do it. Wasn't like we we didn't want
to do it. It was just trying to find the
right time and space to do it. But it's certainly
right at the front of our mind heading into this preseason.
Speaker 2 (36:24):
And one before we go to the break on text,
who was your idol growing up?
Speaker 3 (36:28):
I look, I didn't have one idol, but you know
what I really loved. My idol was the nineteen eighty
five k we Ta. I remember going to Carlo Park
and watching them beat Australia and you know it was
Clayton's friend and Mark Graham, Humaghan Olson, James Lulaway, What
a team, Kemball, what to take? Gary Prime? You know
(36:48):
they were my That was my idol. That that that
era of team.
Speaker 2 (36:54):
Ten to two. Back to mop up the final few
questions with Stacy James when we come back seven to two. Cameron,
you got the last question for Stacy James.
Speaker 5 (37:03):
Yes, thanks guys. Hey, look, Stacy, when I am at
the Kiwis team, I see our halves. We have probably
the strongest running halves in the competition. I mean, I
think Matthew John's called Jerome Hughes the strongest giver. And
I'm just wondering, like when you we sort of seem
to lack of like a little general gets a players
like you in your mold when you get into those
(37:25):
Kiwis environments. How much time do you get to coax them?
And how much time is all man management because of
the short time frame you get within those players.
Speaker 3 (37:35):
Yeah, Cameron, good question. Yeah, you don't get a lot
of time, and the beauty of having experienced halves like
Jerome and the team and a good leadership group sort
of helps you with that. So Jerome's a very strong
run over the footy. His game's gone to another level.
His kicking game is certainly exceptional. So you're very lucky
(37:56):
to have someone like Jerome and the team because you
know a lot of it has play lead to you know,
and you've got to let them express themselves.
Speaker 2 (38:04):
Thanks for your call, Cameron, Thanks for your question. Thanks
for all your questions. I'm sorry we couldn't get to
all of them. Just a couple of quick fire for
me to finish. How does Stacy Jones relax?
Speaker 3 (38:14):
I don't mind a punt and a bear. I've got
a horse racing today and you're part ownership of a horse,
so Quintessa Race seven in Flemington. So yeah, I enjoy that.
You know, good mates with other people in the club,
like Cameron. George's part of that too, So we'll go
away and have a quiet beer and a punt. I
(38:37):
love that. I'm just in my family too, you know.
So I love spending time with my family around stuff,
and yeah, when it's footy that you don't have much
time for much else.
Speaker 1 (38:47):
You know.
Speaker 3 (38:47):
My parents live up in the Far North. My dad's
a farmer, so I love getting up there and getting
on the farm and helping out wherever I can, so
get my hands dirty and stuff like that. So yeah,
it's pretty cool.
Speaker 2 (38:58):
And can you walk around freely without being pieted, you
know by fans wanting to talk rugby league or get
a selfie?
Speaker 3 (39:05):
Ye, and it's pretty good. I'm left alone. Really, it's
pretty cool.
Speaker 2 (39:10):
I would have thought that you'd be you'd be mobbed
at shopping mores and things like that. Right, final couple.
If there was a one hundred meter sprint with the
current Warriors squad, who would win that.
Speaker 3 (39:19):
One hundred meters sprint? I would say Luke metcalfe.
Speaker 2 (39:24):
Metcalfe.
Speaker 3 (39:26):
Interesting, Luke mccalffe.
Speaker 2 (39:27):
I thought one of the outside of that name is zip. Okay,
what about a three k run?
Speaker 3 (39:31):
A three k run freddy lassic?
Speaker 2 (39:33):
Yeah, Actually I wrote down Freddy Lustic. I thought he
might be quite a quite a demon on the three
K run, all right? And what about a bench press?
Speaker 3 (39:41):
Bench press bunty for all right?
Speaker 2 (39:46):
And finally, if everyone you ever played with wasn't a
last man standing first fight, who would be the last
man standing that?
Speaker 3 (39:55):
I'd want?
Speaker 2 (39:55):
No, No, everyone you've ever played with, everybody you're in
it as well. Who'd be the last man standing in
an all in first fight involving every player you've ever played?
Speaker 4 (40:04):
Well?
Speaker 3 (40:04):
Geez, you got Monty Betham here go, well, you go well,
Arwen Good and bial Kevin Campion. I don't know I'm
out of those three. I don't know who, all right,
not you though not me, certainly not me. I'll be
behind arward.
Speaker 2 (40:17):
For all your stuff. Stace, it's been a great pleasure
to have you in studio. Thanks for being so generous
with your time. Our listeners have loved it, so I
really appreciate you popping.
Speaker 3 (40:24):
It my pleasure. Thank you, Jason, thanks for having me.
Speaker 2 (40:25):
Stacy Jones our guest here on News Talks, THEREB and
Weekend Sport. Gotta get him back sometime soon. News Next
to Too.
Speaker 1 (40:33):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine. Listen live
to news talks edb weekends from midday, or follow the
podcast on iHeartRadio
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