10 Jun 2009

Jones to become first Warrior to 250 games for the club

12:38 pm on 10 June 2009

The Warriors halfback Stacey Jones will add another chapter to his illustrious rugby league career when he becomes the first player to chalk up 250 National Rugby League games for the club in Friday's match against Newcastle in Auckland.

The 33-year-old Jones played his first game for the club in 1995 before retiring at the end of 2005 on 238 matches.

He came out of retirement this season and has played 12 games in what's been a disappointing season for the club.

The utility Lance Hohaia will play at stand-off, replacing Joel Moon who was concussed on Sunday while Patrick Ah Van returns from a hamstring injury in the centres alongside Simon Mannering.

Hooker Ian Henderson is back from bereavement leave following his father's death. He missed the last two games.

The back row has been reshuffled with Ben Matulino and Lewis Brown starting in the second row with Aaron Heremaia going to the bench.

Jesse Royal is back on the interchange bench along with Russell Packer and Jacob Lillyman.