Manly guarantees Lyon one more year

Manly captain Jamie Lyon’s future at the Sea Eagles has been guaranteed, but the NRL club remains quiet on coach Geoff Toovey amid reports he’ll be sacked within the week as part of a mass cleanout.

The Sea Eagles quickly moved to quash speculation Lyon would be tapped on the shoulder this week, promising the skipper would be a part of their squad for 2016.

Lyon, 33, has one more year remaining on his contract.

“Jamie Lyon’s position at our club has never been in question – he will be very much part of our team next season,” CEO Joe Kelly said in a statement.

However, Kelly stopped short of offering the same commitment to other players reportedly set to be dumped in the summer, including Luke Burgess, Feleti Mateo, Willie Mason and Justin Horo.

It’s understood veteran hooker Matt Ballin has also been shown the door, despite signing a two-year extension with the club in April.

“The club is going through an extensive review of its playing roster which occurs every season,” Kelly said.

“This is normal business practice across NRL clubs and is an evolving process.

“There are a number of players off contract at the end of the current season, and with any player who may be departing at season’s end, the club has been working through these discussions with each player’s manager.

“By having the discussions now, we have been giving the players every opportunity to secure their NRL future elsewhere.”

Reports on Friday indicated coach Geoff Toovey will finally be shown the door within the week, ending months of speculation about the under-fire coach’s position.

The club legend is expected to be replaced by Penrith assistant coach Trent Barrett, who remains on leave from the Panthers.

Manly have made a host of signings for next season, including Queensland prop Nate Myles, Penrith duo Lewis Brown and Apisai Koroisau, and former Sea Eagle Darcy Lussick.

But the club will lose five-eighth Kieran Foran, while forward Ligi Sao this week announced a return to the Warriors next year.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!