5/11/2004
By Jason Avedissian - The Manly Daily
AGELESS former Kangaroo Cliff Lyons will today have a hit of golf with Belrose officials with the likelihood of joining their roster for next season the hot topic of conversation.
The 43-year-old Manly legend has been approached by the Eagles to play a role in their entry into next year's Jim Beam Cup.
Belrose's application for inclusion in the competition, considered second only to the NRL, is likely to be given the green light next week.
Lyons' involvement in the competition will be one of the topics discussed today when the gifted playmaker enjoys a round of golf with Belrose secretary Craig Badger.
"Of course, he would be great to be involved," Badger said after confirming Lyons had been approached informally to be coach next year.
"I'm playing golf with him (today) and I'll have a quick chat to him then.
"He's just one name that's come in quite late.
"We've got a few candidates up there and we hope to announce that next Tuesday."
Lyons said he was also considering lacing on the boots again after a successful season in the local A-grade competition with Narraweena where he won a premiership against players 20 years his junior.
"You just have to wait and see," he said about playing in 2005, a year that will see Lyons turn 44.
"I'll see how I feel after Christmas.
"You never know.
"I missed a few games (this year) with injuries.
"That was the main worry, took longer to heal."
Badger also said he could see "no doubts" on Lyons' ability to again run around next year.
"He would be a great player at that level," Badger said.
Lyons said he still keeps fit by playing in a Sydney-wide over-35s touch football competition.
He missed sections of 2004 with rib and calf injuries. Lyons retired at Manly with a record 309 first-grade games to his name.
He returned to the paddock two years into retirement with the Umina Bunnies on the Central Coast. If his body could handle it, you get the feeling Lyons would play in his 80s.
