As clock ticks on new deal

return to Queensland, he’s also open to a stay in Sydney if a Warriors offer doesn’t materialise.

“I’m not too fussed about where I end up,” said Lillyman. “I’ve loved it here so if the opportunity comes up to stay then that would be great. But I’m keeping an open mind.”

As a senior player Lillyman is often put up in difficult situations, and he was one of only three players to front the media yesterday, in the wake of the awful defeat at Penrith.

“It was a tough video session but we didn’t want to gloss over it,” said Lillyman. “We need to look at it as a kick up the arse. There are a lot of disappointed boys and the big thing is the response. We need to let that drag us into a good performance against the Dragons on Friday.”

Lillyman also hopes that the two disenchanted jersey-burning supporters come to regret their actions.

A couple of Warriors fans set their jerseys alight as an expression

I’m not putting pressure on anyone. It’s an old cliche but these things tend to take care of themselves . . . so we will see what happens. Jacob Lillyman

of their frustration shortly after the defeat.

“They paid their money for them and they can do what they want,” said Lillyman. “It was tough for us but we know how tough it would have been for the fans watching.”

However, Lillyman wonders how they might feel if the Warriors can regain some momentum in their current campaign.

“If things do come right and we end up making a go of this season that’s probably 180 bucks down the drain for them,” said Lillyman. Warriors lock Simon Mannering hopes to be fit for next week’s NRL clash against Brisbane but is being cautious as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.

sat out last week’s 36-28 defeat to Penrith and will also miss tomorrow’s clash against St George Illawarra in Hamilton, after suffering a hamstring strain at training last Wednesday.

The 30-year-old is eyeing a playing return against the Broncos at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday, May 27 but experience has told him not to be over eager.

“I ran yesterday and it felt not too bad,” Mannering told Radio Sport.

“But it was definitely out of the blue. [I was] just at training, easing into it. I’ve done hamstrings before but that was a long time ago when I had a bit more speed and I thought