KEIRON Cunningham paid tribute to former teammate Jamie Lyon, who has announced his retirement, adding that he had tried to persuade the legendary three-quarter to return to Saints.

The ace former Australian Test centre enjoyed a glittering two-year stint at Knowsley Road in 2005-06 before returning to Manly with his love of the game restored.

Lyon, who turns 35 in January, will hang up his boots in the NRL at the end of this year.

Cunningham said: “I tried my best to persuade him, but he has kids in school over there. The only thing I didn’t do was get on my hands and knees to beg him.

“He is just one of the great Saints players of all time and a champion guy .

“If you were fortunate enough to come across him you would realise what a special guy he is.

“We know he can play rugby and he was one of best centres I have played with, but among his qualities are how personable he was.

“The influence he had on the younger players was massive and he was a big loss when he left.

“The thing I liked about him, even before I met him, was his rebellious, stand up to the system, go and play pub rugby at Wee Wah and not give a damn attitude.

“Every league player would like to think they are like him, but truly they are not.”