Parramatta Test centre Jamie Lyon was granted indefinite leave by the National Rugby League club amid suggestions he was suffering from burn-out and ready to retire.

Less than 48 hours after the Eels opened the season with a 48-14 loss to the Bulldogs, Lyon and his manager Allan Gainey approached Eels coach Brian Smith requesting time off.

The club granted Lyon personal leave to sort out his future, compounding a demoralising start to the season for the Eels.

Lyon is now the fourth player this season to take a break from the game following the pre-season sabbaticals sought by Justin Hodges, David Peachey and Lance Thompson.

"There's a couple of personal things he has to work his way through," Gainey said.

"It's nothing to do with the club.

"I think there's a bit of a burn-out factor there. It's not something that's happened overnight, it's something that has been there for six months.

"He's just feeling as though he needs a bit of time to consider his future.

"I must reiterate that it's got nothing to do with the club. He's considering his future in the game.

"At this stage he's seriously considering not playing rugby league again."

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