Jamie Lyon endured two sleepless nights worrying about a switch to half-back before turning in a man-of-the-match performance at five-eighth in Manly's easy 42-0 win over the Roosters at Brookvale Oval on Sunday.
Lyon scored a try and had a hand in four others, later revealing he was stressed out in the lead-up to the match because of a possible move to half to cover for ill skipper Matt Orford.
Having never started a match at No.7, the normally laidback Lyon was sweating on his captain's fitness and was much relieved when Orford received the all-clear on match eve.
"I was in at half-back (at training) this week. 'Ox' (Orford) was a bit crook and I had a bit of a sleepless night last night (thinking about it). I've never played 7 - too fat I think."
"I was thinking 'geez, I hope he comes through' and luckily he did."
Orford was kept in isolation for most of the week, doing his video analysis alone with coach Des Hasler.
Told of Lyon's fears by Sportal, Orford laughed: "He would have been the biggest half-back in the world."
"I only had one session with the boys yesterday (Saturday) but I was always hopeful I'd play."
Lyon still underwent a change of position before kick-off, moving from the centres to five-eighth and turning in a terrific display.
It's probably come too late for a State of Origin recall, but the former international is unconcerned.
"I think 'Bellyache's' (Craig Bellamy) doing a great job in the NSW side. There's lot of people who have missed out so it's no use whingeing about it," Lyon said.
"I think at my age and what I've been through, I count myself pretty lucky what I've played (in representative football)."
"A lot of people don't get to taste that sort of footy."