Much maligned Sea Eagles half Jamie Lyon is all set to come back from his recent knee injury; possibly joining the Sea Eagles on Saturday night to help the Northerners try and seal the NRL Minor Premiership for 2008.
Former UK Super League star Lyon hasn’t played an NRL game since damaging his knee ligaments in round 19 of the NRL against the Eels. However its believed Des Hasler will throw Lyon into the mix for the clash against Penrith at CUA Stadium. Hasler is believed to want to get Lyon into the frame early, so he can get some game time under his belt before the NRL finals series.
“I’m confident. The knees good and it’s healed good and I’m raring to go” confirmed Lyon.
“It’s healing well and ahead of schedule but it feels great and I’m 100 per cent with it.
“I still have a few things to do. I have to see the specialist and do a few drills and but I’m hoping to play.
“I’ve been training for a few weeks now in the gym and doing a bit of running and I’m looking forward to doing a bit of ball work with the boys.
“It’s a big thing for me. I want to get a couple of games under my belt … hopefully it will be a chance to blow a few cobwebs out.”
The early comeback of Lyon will be a massive asset to Manly, as some onlookers have knocked their chances in recent weeks despite several victories.
“Jamie Lyon brings another attacking dimension to our game and the players like playing with him.” said Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler
It’s been 10 years since Manly took regular season honours, their last table topping trophy coming in 1997 – when the Super League / ARL split competitions were in place.
Hasler said he wasn’t gunning for the JJ Giltinan Shield and $100,000 cash booty for winning the minor premiership, the always serious Manly coach just keen to lock in a top two finish for the NRL finals.
The Sea Eagles, Melbourne and Cronulla are battling for top honours this weekend with Manly in the ideal spot to take the prize, with the Melbourne Storm just adrift on points difference
Hasler was trying to divert his players attention from the minor premiership, trying to get them focusing just a win first so they don’t give the Sharks a chance at snaring the Top 2 spot for the NRL finals.
“Our focus is on winning. It’s about securing one-two because that gives you the opportunity to have a rest the second week into it providing you win your first (final),” said Hasler.
In other news at Brookvale, forward Josh Perry has taken aim at Gold Coast rake Nathan Friend; the Titans no 9 taking a swing at Perry over an alleged high shot on Friends Titans teammate.
“We’re not playing netball, its footy,” said Perry.
“There was definitely no intention to go out there and hit them high.
“I’m not too worried about them. They will be celebrating Mad Monday on Monday and we’ll be out training for the semi-finals.”
GO YOU MIGHTY EAGLES!