This Thread has been dormant for over 2 months
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Here is the Article from Sportal
<big>**Lawrence wants to stay a Tiger**</big>
23/02/2011 6:19 AM
Steve Orme
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http://www.sportal.com.au/league-news-display/lawrence-wants-to-stay-112717
Off-contract West Tigers centre Chris Lawrence has expressed his desire to remain a one-club player as he continues to weigh up his options beyond this season.
Lawrence, who has played 90 first-grade games since making his debut as a fresh-faced 18-year-old, has begun discussions with the joint-venture club.
The Test centre will have no problems finding a new home in the NRL if he is unable to strike a deal with the Tigers.
But the 22-year-old made it clear his preference is to remain alongside team-mates Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah for many seasons to come.
"If I had the opportunity to I'd definitely like to be a one-club man," Lawrence told Sportal.
"I respect and admire all those players that do play at the one club and if I was lucky enough to have that opportunity I would love that."
"I'm in talks at the moment about what we're going to do so hopefully that doesn't linger around too long and we can get it sorted out."
"My main motivation is to try and play well and get the Tigers a win and then my personal goal is to play rep footy."
"If I'm doing that then hopefully the contract will sort itself out."
Lawrence, who scored a try on debut for the Kangaroos against New Zealand in last year's Four Nations tournament, admits his taste of the representative scene left him wanting more.
"My major goal this year is to play State of Origin for the Blues ... I'd definitely like to get a game but I think first and foremost I've just got to make sure my form's good for the Tigers," he said.
"My job first and foremost is to make sure that I'm one of the best centres playing at the moment and hopefully I'll get selected."
Lawrence gets his first chance to impress this Saturday night when the Tigers take on a near full-strength Roosters side in the annual Foundation Cup clash at the SFS.
It is the first time to two sides have met since last season's memorable qualifying final that saw the Tri Colours sneak home 19-15 in extra time.
Lawrence insists the Tigers have moved on from the disappointing loss but admits the thrilling clash has added to the rivalry between the two sides.
"It was an amazing game and unfortunately we were on the wrong side of that but we couldn't do anything about the result so we just had to get on with it," he said.
"And that's the same as this year, there's no point thinking about that for this year and this game because it's a new season and we've got new goals and it's a different situation."
"This is our last trial and this is sort of the last chance to get out any kinks before the start of the competition."
"We've really made the point that we want to start the season well ... it's that a tight a competition as everyone saw last year that you can't afford to be chasing your tail at the end of the season."
The Roosters will be without the services of Dally M medallist Todd Carney, with promising youngster Mark Kheirallah to wear the No.6 jersey in his absence.
Carney is expected to be back on deck for next month's season opener against Souths after making a speedy recovery from off-season groin surgery.
