The fact Fitzgibbon had chosen not to do any interviews since Fittler installed Braith Anasta as captain on the eve of last week's win over South Sydney led many to believe he was fuming over the decision and didn't want to talk because of the risk he would say something he might regret.

But sources close to the representative forward have told the Herald he does not hold it against Fittler or the club and would simply prefer to emerge from the drama by showing his commitment against the Dragons at the Sydney Football Stadium, in a game the Roosters must win to finish fourth and get a home final.

They say Fitzgibbon's team mentality and respect for former teammate Fittler's right to make decisions had convinced him to move on and devote all his energy to the cause, which the Roosters only slightly strengthened with their narrow win over South Sydney.

Fitzgibbon had spent plenty of time talking publicly as captain for the bulk of the season, and those around him say he has chosen this as a good time to put his head down, prepare well and show what he is all about as a player.

Late yesterday, Fitzgibbon returned the Herald 's phone call, but only to say: "I've got no comment other than that I just want to get out there and play footy."

Meanwhile, another player who, like Fitzgibbon, is bound to be important to his team's finals campaign - Manly five-eighth Jamie Lyon - is poised to return for the minor premiership contenders against Penrith at CUA Stadium on Saturday.

Lyon has not played since damaging his knee in the round-19 win over his old club, Parramatta. Although Manly had hoped to have Lyon back for the final round, he wasn't named in the team on Tuesday.

Yesterday at training, however, Lyon indicated he was likely to be a late addition to meet the Panthers, in a game in which the Sea Eagles could clinch the minor premiership by winning - as long as Melbourne don't beat South Sydney by enough to get past the Sea Eagles on for-and-against differential.

Lyon said he was "very confident" of playing, adding: "I still have a few things to do. I have to see the specialist and our doctor and get through a few drills. But I'm hoping to play. It feels really good. It's healed good. I'm raring to go. I've been training for a few weeks now, in the gym, and doing a bit of running."

Asked how important he felt it was for him to get a game in before the finals, Lyon replied: "It's a big thing for me. I want to blow off a few cobwebs. It feels great and I'm itching to play."

And Penrith, in a recruitment drive, are targeting Toyota Cup players from other clubs who will be too old for that competition next year. "We've got two feeder teams at Windsor that we can use to bring players through," Panthers chief executive Mick Leary said. "Other clubs don't have more than one, at the most, so some players who do have potential but who will be too old for Toyota Cup will become hard to fit in at those clubs.

"We've identified six of them. They may not be ready for first grade next year, but we certainly see them as first-graders of the future. We would be happy if we got three of them."