he still wanted to play rugby league. Warriors comeback On 7 November 2008 it was announced that Stacey Jones had re-signed as a player with the New Zealand Warriors on a one-year contract for 2009. He reportedly signed a contract worth over $220,000. In his March 2009 return game to the NRL, Jones set up two tries and guided his team to a 26–24 victory over Manly, reaffirming his nickname as "The Little General". Despite being predicted to play mostly off the bench in 2009, the early release of incumbent halfback Nathan Fien in June saw Jones thrust into the familiar role of starting playmaker for the Warriors once again. Unfortunately, Jones' early good form did not continue and the Warriors struggled to a disappointing 14th placing on the ladder. In early September Jones announced that his comeback was over and he would not be returning for the 2010 NRL season. Coaching career Following his retirement from professional rugby league, Jones took up a role as player-coach for the Pt Chev Pirates, alongside Awen Guttenbeil. He later worked as the Auckland Rugby League's Development officer. Jones was appointed as the New Zealand Warriors Junior Recruitment and Pathways Coach for the 2013 season. He became the Junior Warriors head coach in the Holden Cup for the 2014 season and in his inaugural season the Warriors won the Cup, defeating the Brisbane Broncos 34–32 in the Grand Final. In 2015 Jones coached the Warriors side in the NSW Cup. Jones was subsequently an assistant coach for the Warriors in various capacities under coaches; Andrew McFadden, Stephen Kearney, Todd Payten and Nathan Brown. On June 7, 2022 Jones was named interim head coach of the New Zealand Warriors after the sudden departure of coach Nathan Brown who refused to commit to the club long term. Tohu Harris expects a lot more from him than Nathan Brown. Awards and achievements Awards and Honours New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame member Rugby League Golden Boot Award – World's Best Rugby League Player of the Year (2002) Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to rugby league (2006 New Year Honours) Rugby League Players Association – Best Back Award (2005) New Zealand Warriors Life Membership (2005) New Zealand Warriors Special Award for 100 NRL games (1999) New Zealand Warriors Special Award for 200 NRL games (2004) Halberg Awards Sportsman of the Year runner-up