Retiring Manly captain Jamie Lyon has two games left on his home turf at Brookvale Oval and his teammates are desperate to add some more happy memories to those he has already enjoyed on the ground over a decorated decade-long career on the northern beaches.
Speaking ahead of this Saturday's grudge match against bitter rivals Melbourne, Lyon's teammates were unanimous in wanting a strong finish to the season despite being out of finals contention for the benefit of their long-term teammate.
Bullocking winger Jorge Taufua is putting off much-needed surgery to remove a plate in his collarbone causing an infection so he can take part in Lyon's Brookvale farewell in a fortnight and is a certain starter against the Storm.
"I want to be a part of Killer's last game at Brookvale. Everyone knows how special he is to this club and for me personally he's been a great role model for myself and especially the younger boys, the outside backs coming through, I can't speak more highly of him," Taufua said.
"He's always giving back, always has time for other people and goes out of his way to help other people so just the way he carries himself in general."
Jake Trbojevic – who has captained the club in Lyon's absence at times this year – praised Lyon's leadership over a long period.
"He's the ultimate competitor on the field; we obviously want to send him out as a winner," Trbojevic said.
"He's been such a good leader for us and player for the best part of a decade so that's motivation for us as well, finish the season off well for ourselves but also him, to send him out a winner."
Kiwi international Lewis Brown has only had this season with Lyon but it was enough to leave an impression.
"We're really disappointed we couldn't take him to the finals but the last few months we've finally had the same team on the field and it makes a big difference. We just want to finish the year off on a positive," Brown said.
"Obviously [Saturday is] one of the last two games we get to play there this year and hopefully we can put on a good performance."
In-form prop and Manly junior Darcy Lussick has grown up at the club under Lyon's influence.
"He's been phenomenal over the years for Manly. I'm really looking forward to this week and next week for his last games at Brookie," Lussick said.
"I'd encourage everyone to get down there and support him for those big days."
