By Dave Woods

Jones won the Golden Boot in 2002

Super League side Hull have failed in their bid to lure New Zealand half-back Stacey Jones to the KC Stadium.

Jones, voted the best player in the world in 2002, has chosen to stay in the NRL with the New Zealand Warriors.

"We are obviously very disappointed because Stacey's a very talented player," said Hull coach John Kear.

"But we can understand his reasons for wanting to stay in New Zealand and we can understand the reasons for the Warriors not wanting to release him."

Jones said he was happy to be staying with the Warriors.

The Warriors have been and always will be my club Stacey Jones

"I am really excited at the shape that our squad will have for next year and the style of football that we are going to play," he said.

"The question was never one of me going to another club but whether I could still contribute at the level I aspire to at the Warriors, which I know I can.

"The Warriors have been and always will be my club and I am relishing playing with them again in the NRL next year."