Manly Sea Eagles playmaker Jamie Lyon has confirmed his desire to return to the UK Super League; as early as 2010 when his Manly contract expires.
With Lyon currently in the UK with the Sea Eagles for their World Club Championship campaign, it has reignited his memories of the Super League and hence the talk of his return stint in the years ahead.
Lyon confirmed he ultimately would like to return to his old club St Helens, the powerhouse Super League club certainly would welcome the star pivot back; with Lyon a consistent performer for them and winning the Man of Steel award during his stint in England. Winning the Premiership with St Helens during his stint would no doubt leave positive memories for the former bush star and the chance to earn some serious money in his career twilight would also be at the forefront of his mind.
“I really enjoyed it and definitely want to come back,†Lyon told the media.
“I had a great time here (in England). I won a couple of awards and Saints won a couple of titles, too.
“I’ve got two more years at Manly but after that I’ll look at returning to Super League. I’d have a preference for Saints because they were good to me and the fans were unreal.â€
While winning the Premiership with the Sea Eagles in 2008, the return to Australia hasn’t been totally rosey for Lyon. After leaving the Parramatta Eels and the NRL after claims of ‘home sickness’ – Eels fans and seemingly the majority of NRL followers felt the defection of Lyon to the Super League was a ‘cop out’ given he expressed feelings of homesickness.
Lyon’s return year in 2007 wasn’t ideal, on top of the poor public opinion he eventually won the ‘most overrated player’ tag in the NRL for that year and went on to lose the Grand Final to Melbourne.
However, 12 months later – Lyon remains a standout performer for the Sea Eagles and claimed the NRL Premiership in a stellar year. Quickly adopted by Manly fans, the dissatisfaction among NRL fans seems to be thinning for Lyon.
Currently with the Manly side on a 4-year agreement, Lyon is contracted until late 2010 to the club.