LAWRENCE: ‘I’M THE FITTEST I’VE BEEN IN THREE YEARS’

Here is the story from the tele.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/star-centre-chris-lawrence-is-looking-for-big-year-after-enjoying-first-full-pre-season/story-fni3gpz1-1227209672460

Star centre Chris Lawrence is looking for big year after enjoying first full pre-season
CHRISTIAN NICOLUSSI LEAGUE THE DAILY TELEGRAPH FEBRUARY 06, 2015 12:00AM SHARE

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Jimmy Smith on Auckland Nines
Jimmy Smith on Auckland Nines
Chris Lawrence during Wests Tigers pre-season training at Concord Oval. pic Mark EvansChris Lawrence during Wests Tigers pre-season training at Concord Oval. pic Mark Evans
Jimmy Smith on Auckland NinesChris Lawrence during Wests Tigers pre-s…
CHRIS Lawrence is one of the biggest earners at Wests Tigers — and he’s ready to finally deliver on the hefty price tag.

Lawrence had the world at his feet not so long ago, starring in a high-flying Tigers side that challenged for a couple of NRL titles, and even earned an Australian call-up.

But a raft of injuries, most notably a dislocated hip and ongoing ankle problems, have made it difficult for Lawrence to gain any momentum.

Chris Lawrence during a Tigers pre-season training session at Concord Oval. pic Mark Evan
Chris Lawrence during a Tigers pre-season training session at Concord Oval. pic Mark Evans
Often he would play through the pain barrier because he didn’t want to disappoint the club.

As new coach Jason Taylor says: “I know he’s played the last couple of years with injuries because he’s wanted to do the right thing for the team, but it hasn’t been the right thing for Chris Lawrence.

“His effort and application to training has been first class, and he’s a real professional.’’

While Tigers fans are excited about young halves Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses, as well as fullback James Tedesco, 26-year-old Lawrence can again emerge as one of the club’s real stars in the centres.

For starters, this is the first time Lawrence has completed a full pre-season. He also looked sharp when he led the Tigers at the Auckland Nines.
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SuperCoach: Players to avoid
SuperCoach: Players to avoid
“I think it will be good year for me, and touch wood with injuries, hopefully I can start the year strong and build with each game,’’ Lawrence said. “Being in and out the last few years with injuries, hopefully over a period of games I can really get some confidence back and get my timing back, and everything will fall into place.’’

Lawrence has had a taste of representative honours, but getting the Tigers back into the finals hunt is his only concern.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to play rep footy, but I want to help the Tigers become a top-eight and top-four side again,’’ he said.
 
I'd give him three games in first grade although right now I'd have no problem with Naiqama starting at centre in front of him and see how he goes. I'd even consider Nofo at centre with Naqaima at wing. Then theres Peni, Fine, Seve all pushing for a start.

What is it with our centres, Dean Collis, Blake Ayshford and now Chris failing to deliver on their earlier potential. At least Chris has a reasonable excuse with his major injury.

Makes me realise how reliable and consistent Paul Whatuira was.
 
Didn't Benji make statements at the beginning of every year statements similar to "This is the fittest I have been for a long time". It is time for Chris be treated like every other player - if he produces, then congratulations and he deserves to stay in 1st grade for another week - if he doesn't produce ?
 
I'am sure Chris is a very fit man. But his speed will never return.
Shame but true. Time for a positional change. We need a different centre for 2015.
 
Well we are out to get Rowdy again - haven't even kicked a ball yet.

I think at $350,000 he deserves a go - I'm not real keen paying players this sort of coin to play NSW Cup.

I am talking about this year and not what he did last year or when he 9 or 15.

He deserves the same chance as all the other FG players. Are you going to be screaming for Farah or Woods to be dropped after a couple of bad games - don't think so.

As for a positional change - that is laughable.

People keep on wanting to move him to the back row.
He is not a back rowers bootlace. If he fails in the centre then he should get dropped and that would be the end of it..

He deserves a good go in 2015 with a new coach - a good go - then we'll see.
 
I'm hearing you Russ,my sentiments exactly….

The old saying ...fair days pay for a fair days work...

Let him show us how well he can go before we stick him in State cup....
 
i got a hot tip today that rowdy & simona would be the starting centres round 1 bar injury or lightning.
Let me tell you - this guy aint no fool
 
Watch as his Twitter which has been all a-flutter over the off season mysteriously goes quiet when he reverts back to his old ways….

Was speaking to the old man who taught him at St Gregs (along with JT actually) tonight and even he who has a soft spot for him is starting to wear thin of it.

Interestingly enough, he reckons Lawrence would make a fantastic coach.
 
Everything that can be said about Lawrence already has been many times over. Most people that have followed the team for a while hold onto what he was 4 to 5 years ago. There hasn't been much competition for his spot for a long time so he'll play plent of footy for us whether we like it or not.

His best chance of success is playing in a highly disciplined and structured side and as part of a well drilled backline where he can run crash balls in the opposition 20m. He's no longer the guy you can pass the ball to and hope he breaks the line from a standing start.
 
@underdog said:
Watch as his Twitter which has been all a-flutter over the off season mysteriously goes quiet when he reverts back to his old ways….

Was speaking to the old man who taught him at St Gregs (along with JT actually) tonight and even he who has a soft spot for him is starting to wear thin of it.

Interestingly enough, he reckons Lawrence would make a fantastic coach.
Click to expand...

so what your dad is saying that he"d make a good leader - hence justifying his position on the park as a leader - to lead others.

_Posted using RoarFEED Android 1.1.7_
 
In all fairness,Rowdy has had his knockers of late,however even though I don't think he will get back to his superb best,mainly because of a lot of injuries he sustained,I would like to give him the chance to show us how much better he will be for us especially after a great preseason during 2015…

After reading all the hype about being much fitter and full of confidence...the ball is in his court so to speak,it is up to him to make amends on his poor performances..

He did played injured because he didn't want to let the club down...all he did was let himself down with said performances,although creditable he did himself no favours...

This will be his year of redemption or time to move on...it's his play... :slight_smile:
 
I like Rowdy,but this year he has to show something,after all the first preseason in 4 years talk it is time to deliver.
I really hope he can,he is only 26 and theoretically he can play for another 7 years if his form warrants it.
 
@Geo. said:
@westTAHger said:
Of course he will play well, contract is up for renewal.

At the end of 2016…
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

Call me cynical, but watch how he plays this year and into next, to secure a new contract.
You and I have both been around long enough, and have seen this happen many times in past seasons.
 
westtAHger,I don't think Rowdy wants to play well just to secure a contract…he wants the WTs to be finals contenders and knows he has to lift his game in order for them to have a professional centre to rely on,after all this is his much preferred position....

As I said earlier it is his play..he has to prove his worth,otherwise any sort of talk is just that all talk...
 
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