As an NRL hall of famer, golden boot winner and the greatest halfback in NZ Warriors history, Stacey Jones knows a good player when he sees one, and he's savouring his chance to help mould the team's current crop of talent.
The 45-year-old's journey with the club has entered yet another chapter, after 261 games, 77 tries and a Grand Final appearance as a player.
After staying in New Zealand last year, Jones has joined Nathan Brown's coaching group as an assistant in Redcliffe as they prepare for the 2022 season.
With the club based in Australia, and planning to only return for a handful of games, the decision to relocate was a big one personally, with his family still at home.
"It was fairly hard with none of my family here and it happened really quickly for me to get over before Christmas," Jones says.
"I flew over with Shaun [Johnson], and things have been really smooth in terms of settling back in and training.
"Coming back on board, [chief executive] Cameron George and [owner] Mark Robinson spoke about wanting to bring in a coach who was familiar with the team, for me it was just a really good opportunity."
Jones was an assistant under Stephen Kearney, but wasn't involved in Brown's first year in charge, instead focusing on development pathways at home in 2021.
But with Craig Hodges' move to general manager of football, a position opened up and the "little general" grabbed it with open hands.
A major drawcard has been the chance to work with Shaun Johnson again, as well as the other exciting talent in the halves pool - Ash Taylor, Chanel Harris-Tavita and Kodi Nikorima.
Taylor has just signed a one year deal after being on a train and trial contract. It's hoped the 26-year-old will also add some experience to the side, while Johnson will take responsibility from the word go.
"Shaun is the most experienced and a marquee player for us, if he's fit and healthy he'll be leading the charge, then there's three other blokes that will be vying for that spot," Jones explains
"It's been refreshing to Shaun around this group. He even helps us out as coaches, we're learning a lot from him."
It's hoped Johnson, returning to the club after his 2018 departure, will improve the side's game management - which cost them last season after they lost six games by fewer than four points, including two in golden point.
"Last year it was an area where we lacked experience," Jones adds.
"It's evident when games are in the balance you need your key players to step up, and that comes with experience. It's a big work on and a key part of the game that we've gotta get right.
"We've got a couple of experienced halves in Shaun and Ash, and with the growth of Chanel and Kodi there too, there's some real balance."
