Stewart deserves Lyon's share of recognition
SMH - Danny Weidler
Watching the magnificent send-off Manly have given Jamie Lyon during the past week, it's hard not to think about a player who has done even more for the club, Brett Stewart.
The Manly media department did a great job lauding Lyon. Everyone from Johnathan Thurston to Cameron Smithrecorded a message praising Lyon. The best tribute came from the media-shy Stewart, who declared Lyon the best player he had played with.
Many Manly players would say that about Stewart. They think he has played his last game for the club. Those who know Stewart say he has conceded his days at Manly are done. It's understood Manly want to meet with Stewart's management this week to discuss a possible exit strategy.
This column is also aware that Stewart is being medically assessed. But if Manly were hoping insurance would cover the remainder of Stuart's contract, QBE's decision during the week not to pay out on Anthony Watmough's career-ending knee injury will have the Sea Eagles thinking again. QBE deemed the injury pre-existing. Also making it tough is that the NRL's chief medical offer, Paul Bloomfield, knows Stewart's entire history of knee issues ashewas the Manly doctor.
Manly says Stewart has a contract for next season and will be in control of his future. Which brings us back to the send-off. Stewart's record at Manly demands at least what Lyon has received. Manly are at a loss about how to handle it because Stewart has a contract for next year.
Manly godfather Ken Arthurson flew from the Gold Coast to attend Saturday's game to thank Lyon for his contribution.
SMH - Danny Weidler
Watching the magnificent send-off Manly have given Jamie Lyon during the past week, it's hard not to think about a player who has done even more for the club, Brett Stewart.
The Manly media department did a great job lauding Lyon. Everyone from Johnathan Thurston to Cameron Smithrecorded a message praising Lyon. The best tribute came from the media-shy Stewart, who declared Lyon the best player he had played with.
Many Manly players would say that about Stewart. They think he has played his last game for the club. Those who know Stewart say he has conceded his days at Manly are done. It's understood Manly want to meet with Stewart's management this week to discuss a possible exit strategy.
This column is also aware that Stewart is being medically assessed. But if Manly were hoping insurance would cover the remainder of Stuart's contract, QBE's decision during the week not to pay out on Anthony Watmough's career-ending knee injury will have the Sea Eagles thinking again. QBE deemed the injury pre-existing. Also making it tough is that the NRL's chief medical offer, Paul Bloomfield, knows Stewart's entire history of knee issues ashewas the Manly doctor.
Manly says Stewart has a contract for next season and will be in control of his future. Which brings us back to the send-off. Stewart's record at Manly demands at least what Lyon has received. Manly are at a loss about how to handle it because Stewart has a contract for next year.
Manly godfather Ken Arthurson flew from the Gold Coast to attend Saturday's game to thank Lyon for his contribution.