Geez, some short memories. The two situations were totally different.
Lyon asked his club firstly if he could have some personal time off, and this was granted.
Lyon then asked the club that held his contract if he could have a temporary release to play for Wee Waa, and this was granted, under the proviso that he didn't play NRL for another club.
Lyon then asked the club that held his contract if he could get a release to play NRL, and it was not granted - well, he was told that he could but it had to be an out-of-Sydney club, based on the reasoning Lyon had used in wanting/needing to play for Wee Waa. I believe at the time he was told Wests or Penrith would be acceptable, but they didn't want to make an offer?
Lyon then asked the club that held his contract if he could get a release to play in England, and it was granted, under the proviso that he didn't play NRL for any opposing team for the duration of what would have been his Parramatta contract. After that time expired, he was free to sign with who he liked, and ended up back with Uncle Crusher at Manly.
At every step of the way Lyon asked permission from the club he was contracted to, and never did anything he wasn't granted permission to do. The club remained in control of his playing circumstances the whole time, which is as it should be if you've signed a contract.
SBW just fuicked off to France instead of attending team training, telling no-one, and more importantly not asking someone before apparently inking his signature for some French rugby union side. What SBW did is much much worse than what Lyon did... and I'm a Parra supporter saying this!