http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,10635630-23214,00.html
:shock:
Kiwis quit Test footy
September 1, 2004
FORMER New Zealand halfback and captain Stacey Jones is retiring from international rugby league, after playing 34 Tests for the Kiwis.
And he has been joined by Stephen Kearney and Richard Swain who today confirmed their retirements from Test footy.
They, too, indicated that at this stage of their careers their priority is to contribute for their clubs.
Swain played 20 tests for the Kiwis from 1999 to 2003 while Kearney, with 45 Test caps, retires only one game short of equalling Gary Freeman's record as the most capped Kiwis international.
Kearney's Test career began in 1993 and ended with the Anzac Test in April.
Jones said today he has been thinking about his future in the game since making himself unavailable for the Anzac Test earlier this year.
"Over the past two seasons I've been affected by injuries," he said in a statement.
"My form hasn't been great and there have been times when I've thought about giving the game away completely."
The 28-year-old said he has been playing NRL football for 10 seasons and believes he has two years left in the game.
"I feel like I need to give my all to the Warriors from now on and don't think I can go on fitting in international football as well."
Jones said it has been a huge honour to play for New Zealand.
He was injured last October, pulled out of the trans-Tasman test in April, citing poor form and missed the last two Tests against Australia.
New Zealand Rugby League chairman Selwyn Pearson said today Jones and forward Awen Guttenbeil have pulled out of contention for selection, citing a disappointing season.
He said five other Warriors are scheduled to have surgery after the club's final NRL match with the Bulldogs this weekend.
They are forwards Monty Betham (arm) and Sione Faumuina (shoulder), and backs Clinton Toopi (thumb), five-eighth Lance Hohaia (knee) and Jerome Ropati (ankle).
The Kiwis are involved in a Tri-Nations series with Australia and Great Britain, beginning with a trans-Tasman Test at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland on October 16.
AAP
Sorry Halfy-you know me-can't keep my mouth closed ;-) 
damn
