Giant Jones was proud to lead

Sep 8 2008 by Chris Roberts, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

DEPARTING Stuart Jones was delighted to finish his five years at the Giants on a high.

But he has admitted he would have loved to have prolonged his stay.

It was announced in midweek that the 26-year-old back-rower will be joining Castleford Tigers next season.

Jones is already relishing the challenge ahead at The Jungle, where he will be joined by Ryan Hudson.

Both men were at the heart of the Giants’ win at Warrington when Jones was given the honour of captaining the team for the night. But he admitted it will be a real wrench to leave the club where he has such fond memories.

“My five years here have been absolutely fantastic,” he said.

“And I’ve got nothing but praise for the club and the way they have been with me during that time.

“Obviously, I would have loved to have stayed on, but I’m afraid that just wasn’t to be, and I accept that.

“Unfortunately, this is part and parcel of rugby league.

“The reason I feel so very disappointed about leaving is because I’ll be leaving behind such a great bunch of players. They’re all like brothers to me.