Having enjoyed an emphatic 40-8 win over the Tigers in his 250th NRL game, Manly captain Jamie Lyon hopes to emulate the feat of former teammate Brent Kite and record a triple century of appearances before hanging up the boots.
As has been the case on countless occasions in his glittering 15-year career that also included 60 games in the English Super League with St. Helens, Lyon was amongst his side's best in laying on a try, booting six goals from seven attempts and giving the Tigers right-edge a thorough working over.
Speaking after the game a typically humble Lyon played down his achievement, though admitted he would like to join Kite, who he won two premierships with during the veteran prop's time at Manly, in surpassing 300 first grade games as the Penrith front-rower did last weekend.
"You don't really play the game to get the milestones, but especially for Kitey he's played 300 – the majority of them in the front row – it's a great effort and hopefully I can get there myself," said Lyon.
"But if it doesn't happen I'm extremely grateful for the games I've played already."
Coach Geoff Toovey was full of praise for his skipper's achievement after the Sea Eagles bounced back from last week's disappointing loss to the Bulldogs with a seven-tries-to-two thumping of the Tigers.
"Jamie's been the most consistent centre in the world the last eight years at least," said Toovey.
"He's proved that year in year out and that's why he was tossed up just recently about playing for NSW.
"It's a great achievement, he's made his mark both here in Australia and overseas and I think his family and he in particular should be very proud of his achievements."
With his side having thoroughly turned the tables on the Tigers after being on the wrong end of a 34-18 scoreboard back in Round 5, Toovey had little to worry about as his side moved back into pole position on the ladder, though he admitted the loss of winger Clinton Gutherson midway through the second half with a foot injury was cause for concern, with the rookie flankman in doubt for next week's clash against the Dragons.
Second-rower Justin Horo will also have a nervous wait over the weekend after he was booked for a crusher tackle on Tigers fullback Mitch Moses, but all in all the Sea Eagles coach was pleased with his side's display in front of 13,432 fans at Brookvale.
“I thought our execution today was a lot better than it has been in previous weeks," said Toovey.
"When we made those breaks and opportunities we converted them.
"There was a lot more commitment from the players defensively so that's a positive but there's still a lot of work to do."
