There are rumours circulating that Chris Lawrence is headed to Canberra in 2015. How could the Tigers consider letting go of one of their favourite sons?
At just 25, Lawrence has already amassed 143 games and 68 tries in nine seasons as a brilliant hole running centre. Lawrence has another decade of football remaining in his career and yet many unkind pundits have been quick to label him “past it”. Some have been suggesting he either shift into the forwards or even more incredibly that he retire.
It is no secret that Lawrence has struggled to replicate his brilliant peak form circa 2010 ever since he sustained a gruesome hip injury in early 2011. Upon returning to the game both his lateral movement and his greatest asset, his speed, have been noticeably affected.
However, despite a poor recent month of football this season, Lawrence has finally regained consistency in 2014 with his first uninterrupted campaign since 2010. In 2011 his hip injury saw him play less than 10 games, 2012 saw him consistently played out of position to cover for various injuries and 2013 he played just 13 matches.
He has run with determination and passion this season and has shown glimpses of the form that saw him earn selection for the Four Nations in 2010. Lawrence also appears the quickest he has in many seasons, suggesting that he is gradually over coming the adversity of the injury and various niggles suffered since.
While his form and particular his handling has been poor the last month, 2014 has been a solid season for Lawrence.
Lawrence is contracted to the Tigers until the end of 2015 and I believe he has shown enough this season to suggest that he can continue to take steps to returning to the once great player he was.
He may however be advised to take some of the bulk off as he is sporting a vastly heavier frame this season, fluctuating between 96-100 kilograms, which would add further pressure to his hip and potentially hamper his speed.
The Tigers and their fans should show some loyalty to a great servant of the club who has plenty of football ahead of him. There is no reason to rush a decision that has another year to be made.
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