It's over..Jamie Lyon and Steve Matai formed a lethal centre partnership.
The great centre combination of Jamie Lyon and Steve Matai has come to an unexpected end.
With Lyon retiring at the end of the year and Matai today being ruled out for the rest of the season, Manly fans won’t get the chance to watch the lethal duo together again in the maroon and white.
Between them, the pair played a massive 449 games for Manly. A staggering 230 games for Matai and 219 for Lyon.
Centre partners and Life Members of Manly. Four grand finals and two premierships together. A bond that never will be broken outside the football field.
Contracted for next season, Matai will soon undergo neck surgery on an injury that has seen him play just eight matches for the Sea Eagles this season.
In an article on seaeagles.com.au on April 28, Matai described life as ‘the other centre’ at Manly.
“Jamie is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met, one of the best players I’ve ever played with,’’
“Here at Manly, I’ve always been ‘the other centre’ outside of Jamie, and that suits me fine.
“I’m just honoured, happy and blessed to be ‘Killer’s’ centre partner for the past 10 years. I’m very grateful.
“The Life Membership is something now that we will take to the grave. We are bonded for life.
“I’m just blessed and honoured to call Jamie my mate.”
Footnote: Manly fans, tell us your memories of Jamie and Steve playing in the centres by posting your thoughts here.
