Manly's Lyon is driven by title dream
Test jumpers and NSW jerseys have come easily for Jamie Lyon, but the Manly five-eighth is hoping third time's a charm as he chases the one honour he desires most - an NRL premiership.
It's the last Everest for Lyon to climb, a summit he has been within sight of twice having been a part of losing grand final sides with the Sea Eagles (2007) and Parramatta (2001).
Now with the Sea Eagles heading for a rematch against Melbourne in Sunday's premiership decider at ANZ Stadium, Lyon admits the chase for that elusive title is all that drives him.
"I've done a fair few things in the game and I'm pretty lucky to achieve what I have," Lyon said.
"You save the best for last pretty much and this is the one you want to win and hopefully we can do it on Sunday.
Lyon was 19 when he played the first of his seven Tests, the same year he played in his first grand final with the Eels.
The next year he was handed his first NSW jumper before walking away from Parramatta at the start of the 2004 season.
A move to the English Super League resulted in immediate premiership success with St Helens but since returning to Australia he has again fallen short.
"It is motivation," Lyon said.
"I was lucky enough to get a couple of wins over in England but you want to do it over here in the NRL.
"It is driving me but a lot of people don't get to play in grand finals and I suppose I can count myself pretty lucky."
Lyon claimed he felt more in control of Manly's destiny heading into this year's grand final than he did going into the corresponding match in 2007.
Last year Manly was Matt Orford's and Michael Monaghan's team, but with the latter now plying his trade in the UK, Lyon said he was revelling in the extra responsibility.
"I'm really enjoying five-eighth and I think it just took me a little bit of time to get used to it," Lyon said.
"You want to touch the ball as much as you can and I think you do that a bit more in the five-eighth role.
"I think I'm having a bit more of a hand in the game and in the team as well.
"We had Monnas and Ox (Orford) there running the show last year and I suppose I'm helping out a little bit more.
"I think we're a more complete side than last year, everyone across the board's putting their hand up and contributing.
"I think we're in better stead than last year but it doesn't mean too much come Sunday night, you've got to play your best game on the day."
Manly coach Des Hasler on Tuesday named an unchanged side with Adam Cuthbertson and Luke Williamson added to an extended bench.
Williamson hasn't played in five weeks due to a hamstring injury but is an unlikely starer in what would be his final game for the club before heading to Super League side Harlequins in 2009.
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