Warriors put on a brave face

Less than a week after being controversially left out of the New Zealand test side, Warriors halfback Stacey Jones has re-affirmed his commitment to the game, and to the club.

There?s been constant speculation that the Warriors are falling apart after winning just one of their first six matches this season, despite making it to the second last week of the competition last year. The club this week sacked star forward Ali Lauitiiti and had to fight off speculation that coach Daniel Anderson would be leaving the club.

Anderson has refused to answer media questions regarding the Lauitiiti affair and his possible departure from the club, but has made it clear that he isn?t going anywhere.

Today, Jones attempted to put rumours to rest, saying he and Anderson are getting on just as they always did.

?There are no problems between Daniel Anderson and I and there never have been,? Jones said.

?At the moment, I just can?t seem to find form. Unfortunately I am not as fast as in previous years so I need to work on changing aspects of my game.?

It?s believed that Jones told New Zealand selectors that he didn?t want to be chosen for Friday night?s match against Australia because he wasn?t in good enough form. It?s a claim not believed by most league experts.

The reason for the sacking of Lauitiiti hasn?t been made clear, but Warriors Chief Executive Officer Mick Watson said today the Warriors values were built on commitment and care and that wasn?t been shown by the former Second Rower of the Year.

?Our club values are commitment and care for one another, the end result, the club, team mates and fans,? said Watson.

?Unfortunately Ali has demonstrated he is not interested in these values.?

The Warriors have a bye this weekend.