Lyon wasn't as good a centre as Newlove. I didn't see either Meninga either.

Newlove had everything - size, speed, step, hands.

Lyon is perhaps more talented in the sense that he can play in the halves, kick etc. But Newlove, as a centre, was ludicrously good. I agree that he was better than Lyon in that position.

People talk about Garnder being blessed outside Lyon. That was nothing compared to Sullivan outside Newlove.

Newlove was the more judicous of the two. It wasn't unusual for Lyon to force a pass and see it go to ground or touch - Newlove wouldn't. He was also a better defender.

For me it's very tuff Newy or Lion

Quite correct! it is funny how some people only have selective memories, real genuine guy as well Gary, I have one of his match jersey's at Wigan though, which he signed and gave to me.

Iro in his younger years was one of the most destructive centres I gave seen, only bettered by Inga, now there was a centre.

At 19 years of age Iro gave Meninga a torrid time, that's when Wigan stepped in to sign him, although it did help having Graham Lowe as coach at the time.

First thing that sprang to mind then was Greg Inglis.

The Mal Reilly interview was the best so far, and he literally put his hand up to get back into RL. He would do wonders with that England Squad, well he cant do worse than Steve Mc..

Thought his opinion that SL isnt intense enough, and also that it hasnt got many good defence's was spot on...

His methods may well too outdated to be a head coach again, but I'm sure as a man he could bring something to a coaching team.

Anyway back to Sulli, how good was that try V the goons at Wigan Athletics stadium?? Sulli has got to be up there with Quirk & Albert as a great no5's...
Connelly will always be Judas & should be boo'd as much as ever... its funny!
Our board at that time were more interested in themselves than the club.

But in the centre conversation
1st Lyon.... 2nd Newlove.... 3rd Iro.....
Lyon could win a game on his own & kick the goal!

It was right before the stroke half time. There were loads of smart s that had nipped to the bar early to miss the queue - fools!

Inga was just massive and quick, if he'd have been up against full time players playing at professional clubs I'm not sure he would have had the same impact.

Do you no remeber the disaster he had in the cup game in '97?
I think he'd struggled to get his weight down when he first signed for Wigan, but he spent the previous off season with Bath and was caught on camera blowing horrendously in defence. Very good player, but not in the same league as some that we've mentioned. Scott Gibbs never minded marking him either.

Scott Gibbs was a monster and a better centre than many people think. He made a lot of trys for Arnold.

I still say newlove was a better centre than Lyon purely because he did it for Saints for many more years.

Lyon was a better 'player' though!

He was. Despite his size, he could get on the outside of his man quite well and his presence made the winger panic easily. Obviously he was pretty hard to pull down aswell and you'll remeber how hard he could tackle.

It has been said his positional defence wasn't great, but I don't really remember that. It was shame he didn't stay longer, but with every door that closes, another opens and Huntey's form in the centre during the '97 season was outstanding, allowing us to flog him to hull for loads of money and then go out and buy Scully!