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"He did a great job": Jones earns tick of approval in debut season as Kiwis head coach
SENZ • November 12th, 2024 12:13 pm
The NZ Kiwis may have emerged from the Pacific Championship series with just a solitary win to their name, but new head coach Stacey Jones has still earned a clear-cut pass mark, according to former Warrior turned commentator Anthony Gelling.
Jones' squad fell to both Australia and Tonga, failing to earn the right to defend their title in the tournament finale, before rounding out their campaign with a dominant win over Papua New Guinea.
But taking into account the hosts of unavailable stars - most notably Dally M medallist Jahrome Hughes - Jones' ability to rally his troops in a pair of hard-fought defeats should be applauded, says Gelling.
"I think he did a great job," he told SENZ's Scotty & Izzy.
"I know the Kiwis didn't get the results that they were looking for, but you look at the whole tri-series itself, there's a whisker in between some of those games. Jamayne Isaako, if he hits that penalty against Tonga in game two the Kiwis are in the final and, in my opinion, I think the Kiwis get Australia again.
"I think the Kiwis were a better team. I think they fell victim to the Tongan red sea at Mt Smart, which was quite overwhelming. They jumped out to 24 points. The Kiwis came back with a resurgence but it just wasn't enough.
"But I do feel for Stacey. He didn't have availability of all of his troops. I think if Jahrome Hughes is there, if you have a couple of other boys that were missing, I think it's a different story for the Kiwis."
The silver lining of the injury problem for Jones was the opportunity to blood a few younger players in the white vee who may not have had the opportunity otherwise.
The most notable examples were Gold Coast Titans fullback Keano Kini - who was electric at fullback - and Penrith Panthers wing Casey McLean, who showed why he's so coveted by the defending premiers with a four-try outing in his Test debut against the Kumuls.
Gelling notes there were also some veterans who shined under Jones' tutelage, including former Warriors midfielder Peta Hiku, who now plies his trade in England with Hull.
"He's uncovered some gems, for sure," Gelling admitted.
"Even Pita Hiku looked like he was 21 running around out there. He really took it to some of these centres that are playing really good footy in the NRL, and it just shows how good the quality is when a guy like that is playing over in the Super League.
"Casey McLean is another one. Just when you think Penrith have taken some blows - Taruva has gone to the Tigers - now they have McLean on the wing.
"With Keano Kini, he just stood up. Not only was he good on kick returns, he's making line breaks. He's coming out with big plays when his team needs it. It's so impressive."
Listen to the full interview below:
