Plenty of gold at the coast: But Jamie Lyon decided to stay with Manly after snubbing the Titans' offer. Photo: Anthony Johnson
Jamie Lyon admits there will be a ''bit more spice'' when he comes up against the Gold Coast on Saturday after rejecting their multi-million offer to join them this season.
Lyon, off contract at the end of the year, was offered a mammoth $3.2 million over four seasons to join the Titans after the club lost Beau Champion and missed out on replacement centre target Michael Jennings.
However, the Manly skipper remained loyal and is hopeful of finishing his career at Brookvale Oval.
The 31-year-old, who scored 12 points in a dominant performance against Newcastle, said the Skilled Park encounter may have a different feel about it this time around.
''I forgot all about it until you brought it up,'' Lyon chuckled. ''I guess it adds a bit more spice. There were a few rumours being spread around at the time and it wasn't a real good look.
''It doesn't worry me now, I'm over it. I would only have [entertained it] if Manly wanted to get rid of me or it was over the salary cap and I had to go. I never gave it a chance really, I was never going to leave the boys.''
In fact, Lyon is hopeful of re-signing to ensure that he finishes his career in maroon and white. His agent, George Mimis, has been in discussions with Sea Eagles officials in recent weeks and it's hoped a deal can be struck soon. ''It's going in the right direction and hopefully it will get sorted out in the next couple of weeks. I'd love to stay for a couple more years if it works out,'' he said.
''Definitely it's my first choice, all of my best mates are here and the club has been great to me over the years.''
The former NSW and Australian three-quarter retired from representative football but remains in career best form. Asked if he would consider again making himself available for Origin, Lyon said: ''Probably not. I really enjoyed it when I was younger and had some good times. But I just don't have the passion for it and don't enjoy it as much as I should. I know that probably doesn't sound great and isn't a good look but it's just how I feel.''
Manly have again been in the headlines for the wrong reasons, most recently for their alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs.
However, the club has a knack of performing despite - or perhaps in spite of - the adversity. They will be aiming for their third-straight victory against the Titans.
''We've got a strong group that's been there for a while and we know each other really well … it's always business as usual for us,'' Lyon said.
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