Re: News: Jamie Lyon & Jason King named Co-Captains
Manly will enter the 2010 season with co-captains for the first time in its 63-year history following the dual appointment of Jason King and Jamie Lyon to the top job.
As forecast by Sportal on November 17 last year, local junior King will handle the majority of off-field duties with Lyon in charge during matches.
King, who is studying to be a lawyer and is the Sea Eagles' players' union representative, is comfortable in front of the media and at home with sponsors and officials.
"I want to be a one-team player if I can. I went to school across the road from Brookvale Oval and it is the only club I care about. To be co captain with 'Killer' is a real buzz," King said.
Lyon, who famously walked out on Parramatta in 2004 complaining about the pressures of playing in the NRL, prefers to steer clear of the spotlight.
His job will primarily be an on-field role, with the Sea Eagles keen to foster a better relationship with referees following Matt Orford's confrontational style.
The two will share duties at post-match press conferences.
"It is a real honour for me to lead such a great club - I have been here for three years and to be appointed on-field captain after such a short time is a massive thrill," Lyon said.
"I enjoy playing with the group of players we have and I am sure we will have a successful season."
While many clubs have adopted the co-captains system in recent years, Manly has stuck with the one-skipper policy.
The club has produced some of the game's great leaders, including Bob Fulton, Max Krilich and Geoff Toovey, but coach Des Hasler now views the position as a two-player job.
"The role of captain in the NRL today is a big ask on one player - we are simply spreading the workload," Hasler said.
Lyon has played 65 first-grade games for the Sea Eagles while King - who started his grade career with the Northern Eagles in 2001 - has played 146 games.
Adam Lucius sportal.com.au