Jones cant play more than 2 Tests
this series

Stacey Jones played his first match for the Kiwis last Saturday night after two years of international retirement and helped direct the Kiwi team to a memorable 38-28 win at Telstra Stadium.

But the 29-year-old playmaker, who is joining French club Les Catalans in the English Super League, said the return clash against the Kangaroos in Auckland on Friday would be his last of the series.

"I've got commitments in France, so I was only committed to do these two games," he said.

"It's hard, my wife is due (to give birth) in November so it will be difficult there.

"I'd love to go, I'd really love to go, but at this stage it will be a bit too hard.

"I definitely have to get to France, do some stuff there."

Kiwi coach Brian McClennan said he was thrilled to have Jones on board for the opening two Tri Nations encounters, but wouldn't put any pressure on him to continue his stint in the black jersey.

"We'll just concentrate on this game on Friday, it's Stacey's call," McClennan said.

"Stacey is going to be in the northern hemisphere anyway, with commitments with his club in France. We'll just see what happens.

"Stacey is enjoying himself playing, he's enjoying the camp. We'll just have another good preparation for Friday.

"We don't want to pressure players, it's their call."

It was feared Hohaia had broken his leg during Saturdays game, but x-rays confirmed there was no break or fracture. However, he is unlikely to take part in the remainder of the tests.

"We are going to get an MRI to check that he's OK," McClennan said.

"It appears to be better than what we first thought."

While McClennan may opt for Hull No.6 Motu Tony or Cowboys utility David Faiumu should a replacement be needed for Jones, unheralded half Jeremy Smith will also come into calculations after an eye-catching performance for New Zealand A in the curtainraiser to the test match.

Smith, who guided Parramatta's Premier League side to grand final success against the Sydney Roosters from five-eighth, was just as effective from halfback on Saturday night, scoring a try and setting up several others.

The 24-year-old half is off contract but hoped to re-sign with the Eels despite their wealth of halves.