From stuff.co.nz
By Neil Reid
Stacey Jones is set to be scratched from the Kiwis by his Super League club.
Les Catalans CEO Grant Mayer confirmed to Sunday News they were unlikely to release Jones who only made his return from a broken arm two weeks ago.
And his club don't want to let their highest paid player go.
"Our preference is that he doesn?t play," Mayer said last night from France.
"We have had the conversation with both the NZRL and the International Rugby League Federation ? and our wish is that he doesn?t play.
"We know how important he is to the Kiwis. And we know how important he is to the game. But we have to look after the strength and competitive nature of our side.
"He's had 14 weeks out of the game with a broken arm, the club is really concerned about his fitness."
Mayer said Les Catalans would release Jones for the season-ending Tri-series. "I don't think we can be accused of not supporting the international game," he said. "We're just trying to do the best to develop this team in France. And Stacey Jones, from day one, has been very important to that."
Jones exclusively told Sunday News three weeks ago that he was a doubtful starter saying: ``The test match against Great Britain is the last thing on my mind. I have to get back and play for my club." McClennan reacted angrily to suggestions his key playmaker would miss the test when he released his squad last Thursday. He said of the when reminded of Jones' quotes told of the Sunday News story: ``I don't think he actually has gone on record. Stacey gets non- commital when he is put in positions like that.''
Mayer said Les Catalans would release Jones for the season-ending Tri-series.
"I don't think we can be accused of not supporting the international game," he said.
"We're just trying to do the best to develop this team in France. And Stacey Jones, from day one, has been very important to that."
By Neil Reid
Stacey Jones is set to be scratched from the Kiwis by his Super League club.
Les Catalans CEO Grant Mayer confirmed to Sunday News they were unlikely to release Jones who only made his return from a broken arm two weeks ago.
And his club don't want to let their highest paid player go.
"Our preference is that he doesn?t play," Mayer said last night from France.
"We have had the conversation with both the NZRL and the International Rugby League Federation ? and our wish is that he doesn?t play.
"We know how important he is to the Kiwis. And we know how important he is to the game. But we have to look after the strength and competitive nature of our side.
"He's had 14 weeks out of the game with a broken arm, the club is really concerned about his fitness."
Mayer said Les Catalans would release Jones for the season-ending Tri-series. "I don't think we can be accused of not supporting the international game," he said. "We're just trying to do the best to develop this team in France. And Stacey Jones, from day one, has been very important to that."
Jones exclusively told Sunday News three weeks ago that he was a doubtful starter saying: ``The test match against Great Britain is the last thing on my mind. I have to get back and play for my club." McClennan reacted angrily to suggestions his key playmaker would miss the test when he released his squad last Thursday. He said of the when reminded of Jones' quotes told of the Sunday News story: ``I don't think he actually has gone on record. Stacey gets non- commital when he is put in positions like that.''
Mayer said Les Catalans would release Jones for the season-ending Tri-series.
"I don't think we can be accused of not supporting the international game," he said.
"We're just trying to do the best to develop this team in France. And Stacey Jones, from day one, has been very important to that."
