Manly's greatest-ever five-eighth Cliff Lyons has lashed criticism of Josh Schuster, inviting the young half's detractors to air their grievances to his face rather than publicly.
After an off-season trimming down in the gym, Schuster switched from the second row to five-eighth this season, replacing outgoing favourite Kieran Foran as Daly Cherry-Evans' halves partner.
The move had been a source of public interest for months before eventuating, following reports Schuster's management had insisted on it during contract talks.
Schuster's first season in his new position has been hampered by back-to-back calf and quad injuries that have restricted him to only five of a possible 12 games.
Cherry-Evans put Schuster on notice in the pre-season, warning him to take accountability for his fitness and attitude - both of which have featured high on the list of grievances for the five-eighth's critics.
Most notably, former Manly pathways boss Kristie Fulton last month told Schuster in a social media post he needed to "grow up".
Like Schuster, Lyons played in the forward pack before going on to cement himself in Manly folklore on his switch to five-eighth.
He lamented a lack of patience from those criticising Schuster.
"It's very unfair," Lyons told AAP.
"If you want to criticise someone, go and say it to his face.
"You've got to grow into (playing five-eighth).
"The combinations have got to grow, so the outside blokes have got to work with him, do what he wants to do.
"Everyone's just got to support him. He's got to lift and he's got to do his bit as well. If we can all work together, we'll go places."
Schuster spent his latest injury lay-off working on his fitness and dropped five kilograms ahead of the May 21 win against Canberra, his best performance yet in his new position.
As the Sea Eagles prepare to take on the Dolphins on Friday, Lyons has been encouraged by flashes of the 22-year-old's ability as Schuster looks to embed himself in a new role.
"He's got the talent there," Lyons said.
"He's got the knack and he can set up a pass. He's just got to get that consistency going."
