Ep #5: Stacey Jones / The Little General, Legacy, and Leading with Heart
NZ Rugby League
2,540 views
In this episode of Find Your Front, host Cliff Thompson sits down with New Zealand rugby league legend Stacey Jones — the “Little General.”
A cornerstone of Aotearoa’s rugby league story, Stacey opens up about his childhood roots in Auckland and the Far North, his journey to the inaugural Warriors squad, his Kiwi debut, and the leadership lessons learned across decades in the game.
From playing alongside heroes to coaching the next generation, Stacey shares reflections on growth, nerves, pressure, faith, and balance — revealing the steady character behind one of New Zealand’s most respected athletes and mentors.
This episode moves from nostalgic storytelling to grounded wisdom about high performance, family, and finding purpose beyond the game.
CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS
00:01:00 – Whakapapa & Early Life
Growing up between the Far North and Ngāi Tahu connections, attending St Paul’s College, and discovering league culture early.
00:03:00 – First Games & Family Influence
Starting league at age three, following in the footsteps of his older brothers, and developing a passion for the sport.
00:04:00 – Watching the Greats at Carlaw Park
Sunday league memories that sparked his dream of becoming a Kiwi.
00:05:00 – Family Legacy: Grandfather Munga Emery
Honouring the legacy of his grandfather, a Kiwi front-rower in the 1960s.
00:06:00 – Love of the Game
How joy and freedom kept him connected to rugby league from childhood into adulthood.
00:07:00 – The Warriors Dream
The excitement of the early 1990s as the Warriors formed and the chance to play professionally in New Zealand.
00:09:00 – Becoming a Pro
Signing a development contract as a teenager and touring Australia with future Kiwi legends.
00:12:00 – Debut Moments
The surreal experience of his first NRL game — scoring a try, getting cut, and not realising it was his official debut.
00:14:00 – Managing Nerves
Why nerves matter and how preparation shapes confidence.
00:17:00 – The 2002 Breakthrough
The Warriors’ historic playoff run and the balance that held the group together.
00:21:00 – Innovation & the Banana Kick
The story behind his iconic banana kick and creative influence from players like Carlos Spencer.
00:23:00 – Leadership in the Golden Era
Lessons from mentors and the culture of early Warriors squads.
00:24:00 – Kiwis Debut & 1995 World Cup
Reliving his first test and the pride of wearing the black jersey.
00:29:00 – Coaching Perspective
How preparation, recovery, and professionalism have evolved across generations.
00:31:00 – 2002 Grand Final Reflections
The highs, heartbreak, and national support behind the Warriors’ first Grand Final.
00:34:00 – Learning to Move On
The emotional shift from Grand Final loss to immediate international commitments.
00:38:00 – Transitioning Out of Playing
Finishing his career at Catalans and the Warriors, and knowing when it was time to step away.
00:41:00 – Finding Purpose in Coaching
Rediscovering joy in grassroots and youth development.
00:46:00 – Mentorship & Legacy
Working alongside Ali Lauitiiti, Stephen Kearney, Michael Maguire, and more.
00:50:00 – Head Coach of the Kiwis
Stepping up as national coach and shaping the next generation.
00:52:00 – Modern Challenges & Wellbeing
The pressures of today’s professional era and supporting players’ mental health.
00:54:00 – Finding His Front
Stacey’s philosophy on perspective, resilience, and staying grounded.
#FindYourFront #NZRL #RugbyLeague #StaceyJones #LittleGeneral #Kiwis #onenzwarriors #NewZealandRugbyLeague #Podcast
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Ep #5: Stacey Jones / The Little General, Legacy, and Leading with Heart
NZ Rugby League
2,540 views
In this episode of Find Your Front, host Cliff Thompson sits down with New Zealand rugby league legend Stacey Jones — the “Little General.”
A cornerstone of Aotearoa’s rugby league story, Stacey opens up about his childhood roots in Auckland and the Far North, his journey to the inaugural Warriors squad, his Kiwi debut, and the leadership lessons learned across decades in the game.
From playing alongside heroes to coaching the next generation, Stacey shares reflections on growth, nerves, pressure, faith, and balance — revealing the steady character behind one of New Zealand’s most respected athletes and mentors.
This episode moves from nostalgic storytelling to grounded wisdom about high performance, family, and finding purpose beyond the game.
CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS
00:01:00 – Whakapapa & Early Life
Growing up between the Far North and Ngāi Tahu connections, attending St Paul’s College, and discovering league culture early.
00:03:00 – First Games & Family Influence
Starting league at age three, following in the footsteps of his older brothers, and developing a passion for the sport.
00:04:00 – Watching the Greats at Carlaw Park
Sunday league memories that sparked his dream of becoming a Kiwi.
00:05:00 – Family Legacy: Grandfather Munga Emery
Honouring the legacy of his grandfather, a Kiwi front-rower in the 1960s.
00:06:00 – Love of the Game
How joy and freedom kept him connected to rugby league from childhood into adulthood.
00:07:00 – The Warriors Dream
The excitement of the early 1990s as the Warriors formed and the chance to play professionally in New Zealand.
00:09:00 – Becoming a Pro
Signing a development contract as a teenager and touring Australia with future Kiwi legends.
00:12:00 – Debut Moments
The surreal experience of his first NRL game — scoring a try, getting cut, and not realising it was his official debut.
00:14:00 – Managing Nerves
Why nerves matter and how preparation shapes confidence.
00:17:00 – The 2002 Breakthrough
The Warriors’ historic playoff run and the balance that held the group together.
00:21:00 – Innovation & the Banana Kick
The story behind his iconic banana kick and creative influence from players like Carlos Spencer.
00:23:00 – Leadership in the Golden Era
Lessons from mentors and the culture of early Warriors squads.
00:24:00 – Kiwis Debut & 1995 World Cup
Reliving his first test and the pride of wearing the black jersey.
00:29:00 – Coaching Perspective
How preparation, recovery, and professionalism have evolved across generations.
00:31:00 – 2002 Grand Final Reflections
The highs, heartbreak, and national support behind the Warriors’ first Grand Final.
00:34:00 – Learning to Move On
The emotional shift from Grand Final loss to immediate international commitments.
00:38:00 – Transitioning Out of Playing
Finishing his career at Catalans and the Warriors, and knowing when it was time to step away.
00:41:00 – Finding Purpose in Coaching
Rediscovering joy in grassroots and youth development.
00:46:00 – Mentorship & Legacy
Working alongside Ali Lauitiiti, Stephen Kearney, Michael Maguire, and more.
00:50:00 – Head Coach of the Kiwis
Stepping up as national coach and shaping the next generation.
00:52:00 – Modern Challenges & Wellbeing
The pressures of today’s professional era and supporting players’ mental health.
00:54:00 – Finding His Front
Stacey’s philosophy on perspective, resilience, and staying grounded.
#FindYourFront #NZRL #RugbyLeague #StaceyJones #LittleGeneral #Kiwis #onenzwarriors #NewZealandRugbyLeague #Podcast