I won’t be surprised in the slightest if Jamie Lyon is the big talking point after tonight’s so-called grand final re-match between the Sea Eagles and Roosters at Allianz Stadium
Unless Geoff Toovey is playing silly buggers, we are told the Manly skipper will switch from centre to five-eighth to cover for the injured Kieran Foran.
If Lyon does play at pivot, he could prove to be the most dominant player on the pitch with his exceptional speed, strength and passing skills.
He has played and starred in the position before and the Wizard thinks it could be a switch that creates huge problems for the Roosters, especially their smaller-framed 6, James Maloney.
Manly’s attack could be more dangerous than ever with Lyon’s increased handling of the ball. This is a huge game for both clubs and we all know what Lyon is capable of when he is asked for something special.
He has been tremendous this year – he is getting better with age – and it’s going to be a highlight watching him combine with Daly Cherry-Evans up against Mitchell Pearce and Maloney.
The Sea Eagles, still burning over their loss to the Roosters in the grand final, want to win this one badly.
They lost to Trent Robinson’s team five times last year and will be up for a highly-physical battle to stop the rot.
Both teams enjoyed a degree of luck winning their last starts but this shapes as a full-blooded contest and it’s a shame that both sides won’t be at full strength.
Aside from Lyon at five-eighth, there are several players I am hanging out to watch in this heavyweight Round 4 match-up.
Glenn Stewart has been in the news this week with his playing future far from settled. It’s a fact of life but nevertheless disturbing that he might have to leave Manly because they cannot afford to pay him what he is worth.
Watch for Stewart to produce a special game. Timing is everything when your contract is nearing its expiry date. He will be extra keen to show that Manly cannot live without him.
While talking about Manly players, I’ll be secretly cheering that winger David Williams has a strong game. Everyone remembers The Wolfman’s ‘howler’ in last year’s decider – he is a terrific player who suffered a day to forget in the game that mattered most in 2013.
Switching to the Sydney Roosters, the guys who will grab my attention are hooker Jake Friend, prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and winger-fullback, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
Under coach Robinson, Friend has developed into one of the most accomplished dummy halves in the game. He looks completely happy with his football and happy footballers are the most dangerous on the planet.
Waerea-Hargreaves is the standout prop in the comp. He has got himself fitter than ever, is playing a lot straighter and as an enforcer, he ranks as my No. 1.
The exciting RTS is being gradually blooded at fullback to take over from Anthony Minichiello. This kid is going to be something very, very special. He has the footwork and speed to make a mockery of any defence.
The weather in Sydney has been crappy all week but I don’t think it will have a detrimental effect on the professionalism and resolve of these two teams.
If you want a tip from the Wizard, I’m leaning towards the Roosters. Manly can never be at their absolute best when their gun fullback Brett Stewart is watching on from the stands.
Pickett
Guest
Lyon's NIDA performances are starting to wear off on Foran as well.
81paling
Roar Rookie
That was terrible, it is no wonder rugby League crowds are down, wait for the figures to appear on Tuesday. That game was not won it was pre-decided when Manly decided that this week they would up their anti in complaining about the refereeing of last years grand final to the NRL. That provoked Greenberg to head to Manly to deal with the issue. The intended and direct result of this was intimidated referee's & video referee's who dare not give a penalty against Manly out of fear of the fall out. Last week Manly robbed Parra, this week they robbed the roosters. In future this needs to be properly handled, if a club submits a letter of complaint that needs to be dealt with then they have to be summond to NRL headquarters. If they fail to attend then their franchise license needs to be reviewed (their are plenty of tenders out there) for bringing negative publicity upon the game. What a terrible embarrassment to Rugby League tonight's game was.
john badseed
Guest
Did Maloney play tonight?
belrose eagle
Guest
he did play 5/8 in the 2008grand final and we won that 40nil oh and 8 nil hahahaha
Mac
Guest
Roosters still filthy at letting Manly get away early in the second half of the 2013 GF so they'll be out for revenge ;)
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Unless something changes late my mail is that Foran will play.
Dan
Guest
dont be surprised if buhrer starts at 5/8
Jack
Guest
Looking forward to this - all the games between the birds were crackers last year, with the GF the pick of the 4 straight Roosters wins.
BA Sports
Guest
And considering neither Williams or Stewart are in particularly good form or looking threatening, they need help on the right side. Glad to see Fiz is still slow on the uptake not noticing Lyon played 5/8 last week. Just like in his playing days... still slow...
Dallas
Guest
Yea Jamie lyon should be left at right centre, he goes alright at 5/8 but there right side of Glenn Stewart, Lyon and Williams has been there strength. If they played buhrer at 5/8 he could stay on the left and glen Stewart could play his usual game on the right, DCE would just have be a bit busier on both sides of the fields, which he could do.
Haz
Guest
I thought it was ridiculous to make Jamie play on the left hand side of the field though. Keep him on the right with Glenn and Wolfman, and let Daly playmake on the left.
planko
Guest
Manly love a dog fight. They need to get reasonable start and stay in it. They need to be ahead after 25 mins. IMO
eagleJack
Guest
To be fair even the greats can take a game to adjust. Foran pulled out late against the Eels giving Lyon and the team only a couple of days to get the combinations on both sides right. They will be better for the run. If Manly can somehow jag a win tonight with 4 key players out then, as a fan, Ill know we are in for another good season.
NORDBURG
Guest
Obviously have not watched much League lately Wiz?Didnt catch the last game Channel 9 telecast.Manly were a rabble in attack and Lyon was at 5/8 -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
buster
Guest
More dangerous than ever you say? Ive never seen Manly look more disjointed in attack than what I saw against the Eels haha. With Jamie on the left it weakens the right monumentally and disrupts the left. Manly will then always go left as it will be their best option. Roosters would love that predictability. Not that they have issues with Manlys attack anyway haha