For so many years Manly have been a side that barely even needed a captain.

But the good ship Sea Eagles almost capsized in 2014, and amid tumultuous circumstances, skipper Jamie Lyon came to the fore as a leader.

Lyon was recognised for his steady head by being named captain of the year at the Dally M Awards at Sydney’s Star on Monday night.

Manly ultimately bowed out of the finals, but the fact they made it to within two matches of the grand final was an incredible achievement.

Warring factions would have torn just about any other team in the NRL to shreds, but somehow the Sea Eagles put personal differences aside every week when they crossed the white line.

And for being the glue throughout the most difficult of seasons, Lyon outpointed Cameron Smith, Anthony Minichiello and Cowboys co-captains Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott as the game’s best captain.

Lyon is as humble as any star in the NRL, preferring to lead by example.

But with the Sea Eagles descending to internal bickering over the club’s failure to offer Manly legend Glenn Stewart a new contract, the playing group needed a man they could respect.

Amid rumours that some players were failing to see eye to eye with coach Geoff Toovey and halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, and speculation suggesting Anthony Watmough, Brett Stewart, Steve Matai and possibly even Kieran Foran wanted out – Lyon was the rock.

As consistent and classy as they come, Lyon demanded performance from his players, and despite their issues, they delivered week to week.

In the end it was a devastating injury toll that contributed significantly to their demise in the semi-finals, and that brave effort was due in no small part to Lyon.

But for a man who is all about the team, Lyon isn’t one to revel in personal awards.