Reynolds Kicks Cowboys to loss
4 hours ago | Andrew Ferguson
Jamie Lyon's $2 million deal with Manly is believed to hinge on recruitment officer Noel Cleal remaining at the NRL club.
A secret clause is believed to have been inserted into Lyon's contract with the Sea Eagles after the club beat a host of rivals to the former Eel's signature last week. Lyon's friendship with Cleal has been credited as a major factor in his decision to sign with Manly.
While 24-year-old is tied to the Sea Eagles until 2010, it's understood the deal could be jeopardised should Cleal leave the club beforehand.
Meanwhile, the Sea Eagles are believed to have an interest in signing Newcastle forward Steve Simpson as a replacement for departing captain Ben Kennedy.
The Knights backrower became a free agent after a clause in his contract was enacted following his selection in 6 State of Origin matches before season 2007.
This has prompted the loping and mobile backrower to assess his options and Manly are believed to be in the running for his signature, should Newcastle be unable to upgrade his existing contract.
Elsewhere, Canberra captain Clinton Schifcofske's switch to rugby union is almost complete, with his manager saying he's "nutting out a deal" for his client to join the Queensland Reds.
Despite being tied to the Raiders until 2008, Schifcofske has a clause in his contract which allows him to leave the club when coach Matthew Elliott joins Penrith next season.
Schifcofske met with Reds coach Eddie Jones about a possible cross-code switch on Friday, with the former Wallabies mentor saying he's "90 per cent" confident the Queensland Origin star will join the Super 14 franchise on a three-year deal.