Lyon is driven by premiership dream

Test jumpers and NSW jerseys have come easily for Jamie Lyon, but the Manly five-eighth is hoping third time’s a charm as he chases the one honour he desires most — an NRL premiership.

It’s the last Everest for Lyon to climb, a summit he has been within sight of twice having been a part of losing grand final sides with the Sea Eagles (2007) and Parramatta (2001).

Now with the Sea Eagles heading for a rematch against Melbourne in Sunday’s premiership decider at ANZ Stadium, Lyon admits the chase for that elusive title is all that drives him.

“I’ve done a fair few things in the game and I’m pretty lucky to achieve what I have,” Lyon said.

“You save the best for last pretty much and this is the one you want to win and hopefully we can do it on Sunday.

Lyon was 19 when he played the first of his seven Tests, the same year he played in his first grand final with the Eels.

The next year he was handed his first NSW jumper before walking away from Parramatta at the start of the 2004 season.

A move to the English Super League resulted in immediate premiership success with St Helens but since returning to Australia he has again fallen short.

“It is motivation,” Lyon said.

“I was lucky enough to get a couple of wins over in England but you want to do it over here in the NRL.

“It is driving me but a lot of people don’t get to play in grand finals and I suppose I can count myself pretty lucky.”

Lyon claimed he felt more in control of Manly’s destiny heading into this year’s grand final than he did going into the corresponding match in 2007.

Last year Manly was Matt Orford’s and Michael Monaghan’s team, but with the latter now plying his trade in the UK, Lyon said he was revelling in the extra responsibility.

“I’m really enjoying five-eighth and I think it just took me a little bit of time to get used to it,” Lyon said.

“You want to touch the ball as much as you can and I think you do that a bit more in the five-eighth role.

“I think I’m having a bit more of a hand in the game and in the team as well.

“We had Monnas and Ox (Orford) there running the show last year and I suppose I’m helping out a little bit more.

“I think we’re a more complete side than last year, everyone across the board’s putting their hand up and contributing.

“I think we’re in better stead than last year but it doesn’t mean too much come Sunday night, you’ve got to play your best game on the day.”

Manly coach Des Hasler today named an unchanged side with Adam Cuthbertson and Luke Williamson added to an extended bench.

Williamson hasn’t played in five weeks due to a hamstring injury but is an unlikely starer in what would be his final game for the club before heading to Super League side Harlequins in 2009.

Penpix for Manly:
Fullback BRETT STEWART
Age: 23 Height: 186cm Weight: 86kg NRL Games: 113
The NRL’s leading tryscorer in 2008. He is incredibly dangerous in attack with a growing ability to also set up tries. Has very safe hands and is challenging for a place in Australia’s World Cup squad.

Wing MICHAEL ROBERTSON
Age: 25 Height: 178cm Weight: 88kg NRL Games: 137
An under-rated winger with a thirst for scoring tries. Has played every game this year and is Manly’s second-highest tryscorer. A strong defender of kicks with plenty of pace.

Centre STEVE BELL
Age: 32 Height: 182cm Weight: 93kg NRL Games: 171
Noted as one of the best defensive centres in the game, but this year Bell ranks equal second for linebreaks in the NRL. He knows when and where to attack the line and set up his outside players.

Centre STEVE MATAI
Age: 24 Height: 177cm Weight: 94kg NRL Games: 66
The Kiwi Test star is one of the most brutal defenders in the game, even if carrying a shoulder injury. Is under-rated in attack but his fend and ability to offload makes him an ever-present danger.

Wing DAVID WILLIAMS
Age: 22 Height: 183cm Weight: 92kg NRL Games: 19
The `Wolfman’ is something of a cult hero in his rookie season with his well-grown beard. Has shown no sign of nerves as a first-year player, with his speed and strength making him a threat to rivals.

Five-eighth JAMIE LYON
Age: 26 Height: 179cm Weight: 95kg NRL Games: 115
Has found form after taking greater ownership of Manly’s attack and sharing the kicking duties. Outstanding defender who can shut down some of the game’s best attackers. Has played in two losing grand finals.

Halfback MATT ORFORD (capt)
Age: 30 Height: 176cm Weight: 92kg NRL Games: 203
Dally M player of the year in career best form. A deceptive ball runner with a brilliant kicking game. Controls all that Manly do. Still faces questions over ability to perform in big matches.

Prop BRENT KITE
Age: 27 Height: 190cm Weight: 110kg NRL Games: 162
A Test prop who leads the Manly charge forward with bulldozing runs. Is a tireless worker whose defensive skills around the ruck help slow the opposition play the ball. Still hurting after NSW Origin snub.

Hooker MATT BALLIN
Age: 24 Height: 179cm Weight: 88kg NRL Games: 39
Consistent and dependable hooker who has played every game this year. Sets up plenty of attack by finding space out of dummy half. Very fit and provides a solid platform for Manly in both attack and defence.

Prop JOSH PERRY
Age: 27 Height: 186cm Weight: 114kg NRL Games: 167
2001 premiership winner at Newcastle who has added tough edge to Manly pack. Never takes a backward step and churns through plenty of minutes after shedding excess weight.

Second row ANTHONY WATMOUGH
Age: 25 Height: 181cm Weight: 95kg NRL Games: 142
One of the most damaging ball runners in the game. Breaks tackles, scores tries and offloads. Is the most penalised player in the NRL and was targeted in defence by the Storm in last year’s decider.

Second row GLENN HALL
Age: 27 Height: 180cm Weight: 102kg NRL Games: 71
The unlucky 18th man in last year’s grand final, Hall has cemented a starting spot with consistent form in 2008. Isn’t the flashiest player but gets the job done with hard running and tough tackling.

Lock GLENN STEWART
Age: 24 Height: 180cm Weight: 97kg NRL Games: 70
Is rated among the most dangerous attacking forwards in the game with an uncanny ability to set up others. Plays like a second five-eighth but also does the hard yards when needed. Player to watch.

Interchange
HEATH L’ESTRANGE
Age: 23 Height: 173cm Weight: 89kg NRL Games: 52
Quick and elusive hooker who provides immediate spark in last half hour of the game. Always dangerous.

MARK BRYANT
Age: 27 Height: 183cm Weight: 107kg NRL Games: 99
A big prop who does the hard yards without much recognition. Playing final game before joining UK newcomers Celtic Crusaders.

JASON KING
Age: 27 Height: 192cm Weight: 111kg NRL Games: 129
A big bopper who carries the ball strongly. Was a regular starter until serious ankle injury midseason.

STEVE MENZIES
Age: 34 Height: 190cm Weight: 98kg NRL Games: 348
The second highest tryscorer in league history who will equal the most games by any player. Valuable utility who can play anywhere.

ADAM CUTHBERTSON
Age: 23 Height: 183cm Weight: 105kg NRL Games: 42
18th man throughout entire finals series. Big and fast, he also possesses a lethal offload.

LUKE WILLIAMSON
Age: 30 Height: 184cm Weight: 96kg NRL Games: 218
Has not played since round 24 due to a hamstring injury. Unlikely to get a start but wouldn’t let them down if called upon.

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