Manly co-captain Jamie Lyon has given the club's rookie halfbacks the seal of approval, adamant the Sea Eagles are well covered to replace Matt Orford.

Lyon is set to start the year back in the No. 6 jersey from where he guided the club to the 2008 premiership, with Des Hasler keen for the veteran to play a guiding hand for young halves Kieran Foran and Trent Hodkinson.

Orford's move to Bradford has left critics questioning whether Manly can cover his loss. But Lyon and premiership-winning teammates Anthony Watmough and David Williams scoffed at suggestions 2010 will be a rebuilding year.

"There's no reason why we won't be right among it," Lyon said. "Ox has been gone for a while now and we've had a bit time to work on some new combinations and what not.

"I'm not sure which one will start at seven but they're both great players. It's a great opportunity for one of them."

Although Hasler has yet to show his hand in the selection stakes, New Zealand international Foran looks to have the inside running for a starting berth after starring in nine games last year.

Hodkinson, who played for Manly's feeder club Sunshine Coast in the Queensland Cup last year, has yet to make his NRL debut, but has impressed during trial matches.

Speaking at the club's season launch at Harbord Diggers, Lyon revealed he would start the year alongside either Foran or Hodkinson, with the young halves likely to be paired later in the season.

Watmough said the battle between the pair was good for the club and suggested Hasler may have to find room for both in the 17.