clontaago
First Grader
THE Canberra Raiders are preparing to make a play for former Parramatta centre Jamie Lyon, claiming they have the resources to lure one of rugby league's brightest stars to the nation's capital in 2007.
Despite rumours that he is already set to join Manly next year, Lyon, who is contracted to the Eels until the end of this season after walking out two years ago, is expected to field up to half a dozen offers from NRL clubs when he becomes available after June 30.
But Raiders general manager Don Furner said the club could match any offer thrown at the current St Helens flyer.
"We're after a quality centre and we'll have the money to get one," Furner said.
"I'm not sure we'll be able to lure someone like Mark Gasnier or Matt Cooper here but Jamie Lyon is a different story.
"A lot of clubs will be interested in him and we will be, too.
"We'll be watching him closely over the next few months and will be making sure his manager (George Mimis) knows we're interested."
Canberra will release veteran Jason Smith at the end of the season and are awaiting a decision from Jason Croker, who has an option for another year in his contract. Hooker Simon Woolford is also off contract and will be offered a one-year deal at most.
Furner said the Raiders would be among the most aggressive clubs in the player market this season.
"We've got the money to spend and we'll target two high-profile players - a centre and a back rower," he said. "We're confident we'll be able to attract some players here.
"Some of it will depend on what happens with Croker, but either way I think we'll be very active in the market.
"At the moment we're focusing on re-signing some of our younger players, and once we've secured them we'll look at the top level."
Winger Phil Graham and highly rated youngster William Zillman are expected to re-sign by the end of the week, while the Raiders are also in talks with Michael Weyman, Jermaine Ale and David Howell.
Despite rumours that he is already set to join Manly next year, Lyon, who is contracted to the Eels until the end of this season after walking out two years ago, is expected to field up to half a dozen offers from NRL clubs when he becomes available after June 30.
But Raiders general manager Don Furner said the club could match any offer thrown at the current St Helens flyer.
"We're after a quality centre and we'll have the money to get one," Furner said.
"I'm not sure we'll be able to lure someone like Mark Gasnier or Matt Cooper here but Jamie Lyon is a different story.
"A lot of clubs will be interested in him and we will be, too.
"We'll be watching him closely over the next few months and will be making sure his manager (George Mimis) knows we're interested."
Canberra will release veteran Jason Smith at the end of the season and are awaiting a decision from Jason Croker, who has an option for another year in his contract. Hooker Simon Woolford is also off contract and will be offered a one-year deal at most.
Furner said the Raiders would be among the most aggressive clubs in the player market this season.
"We've got the money to spend and we'll target two high-profile players - a centre and a back rower," he said. "We're confident we'll be able to attract some players here.
"Some of it will depend on what happens with Croker, but either way I think we'll be very active in the market.
"At the moment we're focusing on re-signing some of our younger players, and once we've secured them we'll look at the top level."
Winger Phil Graham and highly rated youngster William Zillman are expected to re-sign by the end of the week, while the Raiders are also in talks with Michael Weyman, Jermaine Ale and David Howell.
