NEW Zealand rugby league legend Stacey Jones has announced he will retire from the game at the end of the Super League season. The 31-year-old signed a new 12-month contract with French club Catalans Dragons earlier this year but injuries have forced his hand.

"I had a couple of bad injuries during the last two seasons and I think my body has had enough," Jones said. "My on-field performance was up and down this year and I think it is the best solution for the team."

The news is a major blow to the Dragons, this year's English Challenge Cup runners-up, who have come to rely on Jones's leadership, tactical kicking and ball-playing.

"I prefer to quit at the end of the season [rather] than retiring after two or three games into 2008 ...

I will miss the place. I had two wonderful years with the Catalans Dragons and being at Wembley [for the cup final] was a dream."