Manly Ready To Step Into Challenge

The event – provisionally scheduled to be staged down under in February – was thrown into doubt by the announcement from the Broncos and could possibly be cancelled.

The Sea Eagles – who have signed Saints centre  Lyon for next season – are keen to take the place of the Premiers rather than see the game cancelled.

"What better way to start the new season than having Jamie Lyon playing for his new club against his old club," said Manly chief executive Grant Mayer.

The Broncos are set to discuss the event with the Rugby Football League this week, and chief executive Bruno Cullen said that they had not refused to play the game, saying: "We are still very keen to play it at a later date."