Lyon's made decision: manager
20 April 2004
"It's all over".
The three words Eels fans didn't want to hear from runaway ex-Test centre Jamie Lyon's manager were uttered today despite the National Rugby League club still expecting a return this week.
While the Eels stuck by their official announcement made last week that Lyon would return from his hometown Wee Waa and make a decision on his future this week, his manager Allan Gainey said there was nothing to discuss.
"He's back home, it's all over. He won't play again until the end of 2006," he said.
"He's isolated himself (from the club). It's a very bizarre, unique situation."
Lyon left the club after round two, saying he was disillusioned with professional football but returned to Parramatta last week seeking a release from the Eels hierarchy.
But the Eels stood firm, refusing to grant a release from his $250,000 a season contract which runs until the end of 2006.
However, Eels CEO Denis Fitzgerald asked Lyon to consider returning to the club and expected an answer this week.
"I can confirm that Jamie has not, and will not, be granted a release from his contract with the Parramatta club in order that he can play for any other club, including the Wee Waa Panthers," Fitzgerald said after last week's meeting.
But Gainey today said Lyon would not return to the Eels club.
"There's no further (meetings with Parramatta), there's nothing to nut out," he said.
"He was disappointed (by the Eels' stance) but he understands a contract is binding.
"He was hopeful (of an Eels release) but there was a forewarning there from Parramatta, he understands that you can't just run away and play for another team otherwise it would be setting a dangerous precedent."
However, Fitzgerald today said he was still hopeful of Lyon talking with the club this week.
"I am still expecting to hear from either Jamie or his manager this week," he said.
"If he doesn't play this year we will reassess the situation at the end of the year."
Lyon, 22, reportedly moved his belongings into a Wee Waa house with his girlfriend less than 24 hours after Eels officials told him he would not be granted a release to play for his junior club, the Wee Waa Panthers.
It is believed he began training with the Panthers two nights a week when he returned to Wee Waa after leaving the Eels.
He is now expected to be the water boy for the Group 4 competition team.
The 2000-strong population of Wee Waa have begun signing a petition in an attempt to convince Parramatta that the disillusioned centre be allowed to play for the Panthers.
Meanwhile, the Eels have moved to avoid a repeat of the ugly scenes at their last home game where it is believed hundreds left in disgust due to long queues.
Fitzgerald said several initiatives would be in place for Eels home matches starting with Saturday's game against Cronulla after discussions between the Parramatta Stadium Trust, the Parramatta club and Ticketek.
Two additional "point of sale" staff members will be rostered on the western side, bringing the total to 12, as well as "greater emphasis placed on PA announcements for those within the stadium precinct, along with better signage and queuing alternatives".
Staff will be instructed to give greater directional information, Fitzgerald said.
"We had 21 of a possible 22 terminals in full operation on Monday, but the late arrival of the crowd made it very difficult for the system to cope," Fitzgerald said.
"We are looking at various options that further encourage supporters to purchase their tickets more than one hour before kick-off."
Brought to you by AAP
....hope he never comes back