Doubts About Jones's Fitness For
Trans Tasman Test

New Zealand halfback Stacey Jones admitted he was no certainty to play against Australia in next month's one-off rugby league test in Auckland.

He was non-committal on Sunday night about his chances of playing his 35th test match for the Kiwis when they clash with world champions Australia at North Harbour Stadium on October 18.

Jones has been troubled by a groin injury in the National Rugby League finals series that has restricted his training and hampered his dangerous running game.

"I'll see how things go. It's a bit hard to tell yet. We'll see what happens," said Jones after the Warriors' season ended with a 28-18 loss to Penrith in the grand final qualifier.

"We'll all have medicals next week. It's still a few weeks away so anything can happen.

"It's been getting a bit better each week. I don't train late in the week so I can't really tell how I'm going to go in the game until late in the week.

"It seems to be improving."

Jones will not take the decision lightly because he sees the international game as the pinnacle of rugby league .

"It's always great to play for your country," said the 27-year-old.

"But you don't want to be going into next year with niggling injuries so I have to see our doctor and see where we go from there."