Adrian Proszenko - SMH
Jamie Lyon and David Williams are poised to re-sign in a huge boost for Manly before Sunday's grand-final clash with the Roosters.
Lyon is set to extend his stay on the northern beaches for a further three years, while Williams will likely sign on for two more seasons.
Lyon knocked back a mammoth $3 million offer to link with the Gold Coast to finish his career with the Sea Eagles. While there have been delays in finalising the deal, officials hope a new contract will be signed next week.
''I've been here for a little while, hopefully it gets done,'' Lyon said.
''It's hard, with the cap, to fit everyone in. I'm pretty comfortable it will get done when it's ready.
''I'd like to play for another two or three years. [Laughing] I'm pretty sure Wee Waa will have me if nothing turns out here.''
The Sea Eagles have little room to move under their salary cap but have still managed to retain the nucleus of the side that won the 2011 decider.
Lyon and Williams are the last big names to commit for next season as the club works out the best way to stagger their cap payments in coming years.
''The salary cap is very complex and it's taken a bit longer than normal,'' Manly boss David Perry said.
''Both players are under the same management group and I've been working with them very closely. They've got no concerns about it and neither do we, it's just a matter of time. Hopefully some time next week it will be finalised.
''Jamie showed last week just how valuable a leader he is, he's an asset to the club.
''Jamie loves the area, he loves playing for Manly and it's such a tight-knit group. It will be finalised shortly.
''And 'Wolfman' [Williams] is a crowd favourite, he's played a lot of football this year and has really hit some form. He's had a few challenges with injury in the past and he's keen to secure his future at the Sea Eagles.''
Player agent George Mimis, who manages both former representative stars, added: ''Both contracts are very, very deep in the process of finalisation. We hope they are not too far away.''
Lyon initially struggled with the transition to city life after shifting from his hometown of Wee Waa. However, he is now likely to remain on the northern beaches for good after settling in with his young family.
''I'll probably stay,'' he said.
''I've just built a house in Warriewood, I love the area. The kids love it here, go to school here and play footy at Mona Vale Raiders. It's a good spot.
''I always thought I'd go back to Wee Waa, back to the bush. Things change, you have a family and we're happy here.''
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