Greats to mentor Kiwis
Thursday, 24 April 2008
THEY'RE BACK: Kiwi greats Stacey Jones, left, and Ruben Wiki are coming back with mentoring roles for New Zealand Rugby League, including the centenary test against the Kangaroos in Sydney on May 9.
Two of the Kiwis' greatest servants will be back to help out the New Zealand rugby league team, beginning with the centenary clash with Australia next month.
Former skippers Ruben Wiki and Stacey Jones will have mentoring roles for the New Zealand Rugby League, including in the test in Sydney on May 9, the NZRL announced today.
Kiwi coach Stephen Kearney, who played many of his 45 tests alongside the pair, said he was keen to have them in support positions.
Wiki, skipper of the New Zealand Warriors, who are away to the Gold Coast Titans this weekend, said his focus at the moment was on the National Rugby League.
"But Steve has asked me to help out in whatever way I can with the Kiwis and I'd love to do it," Wiki said.
"I was always so proud to play for my country, to pull on the black and white jersey. I hope I can pass some things on to the boys and help to bring some pride back into the jersey."
Wiki, 35, played a world record 55 tests between 1994 and 2006.
Jones, 31, said he was thrilled to be involved with the Kiwis again, having represented them 46 times between 1995 and 2006.
"I was thrilled when Steve asked," he said.
"If he thinks I can help, I'm only too pleased to be involved."
Jones hung his boots up last year after 238 games for the Warriors and two seasons with Les Catalans Dragons in the English Super League.
At present, he also has a role in helping out the Warriors' halves and kickers.
The NZRL also announced Pirtek as the Kiwis' new major sponsor.
