Sea Eagles skipper Jamie Lyon is ‘one of the game’s greatest centres’

SEA Eagles coach Trent Barrett says Jamie Lyon will be remembered as one of the game’s greatest centres the game has seen.

Jamie Lyon before a press conference announcing that he won't play in Manly's last home game of the season at Brookvale. Picture: Mark Evans

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SEA Eagles coach Trent Barrett says Jamie Lyon will be remembered as one of the game’s greatest centres the game has seen.

He paid the humble champion that accolade on Tuesday when Lyon confirmed he won’t have a swan song at Brookvale Oval on Saturday afternoon against Canberra and that he has almost certainly played his final NRL game due to a hamstring injury.

“I think his career needs to be celebrated, he will go down as one of the club’s greatest players and certainly one of the game’s greatest centres in my opinion,” Barrett said.

“The respect that he holds round here you can tell when he walks into the room the presence he has.

“He is not a player that says a lot, but his actions speak louder than words.”

Jamie Lyon with Tom Trbojevic and Sea Eagles chairman Scott Penn at Narrabeen on Tuesday. Picture: Mark Evans. esw s efore a press conference at Manly HQ, Narrabeen, announcing that he won't play in Manly's last home game of the season at Brookvale. pic Mark Evans

But Barrett says Lyon’s greatest attribute was his humility.

“He has never changed, he’s always remembered where he’s come from,” Barrett said.

That was evident yesterday by the way the boy from Wee Waa revealed the news that his distinguished career is probably over just shy of 300 NRL appearances.

“I will be trying to get back for the last game, but it’s probably not looking the best,” he admitted.

“It was not the best of timings but that’s footy and it’s part and parcel of the game.

“I would have loved to be out there with the boys and had one last game at Brookie it would have been great.

Manly coach Trent Barrett discusses the career of Jamie Lyon. Picture: Mark Evans

“But I’ve had a lot of games over the years at that ground and played with some great players. I am privileged to be part of the club.

“It’s obviously sad to finish up but it’s something I’m looking forward to.

“It’s going to be good to get away from the cameras for a little while and kick back at home with the family and play a bit of golf.”