The James Graham reality check that changed Dragons prop Blake Lawrie’s career

It’s the James Graham reality check that will ensure emerging St George Illawarra prop Blake “Blocker” Lawrie fulfils his potential.

MATT LOGUE

2 min read

November 12, 2018 - 12:20PM

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It’s the James Graham reality check that will ensure emerging St George Illawarra prop Blake “Blocker” Lawrie fulfils his potential.

Flash back to September and Lawrie was riding high following a strong performance in a finals victory over the Broncos in Brisbane.

The Wollongong-born bookend briefly carried a confident swagger but he was swiftly brought back to earth by a frank Graham.

“I had a coffee with James after the footy season and he told me it was time to knuckle down,” Lawrie told The Sunday Telegraph.

“He said he sees potential in me but it’s all potential and he wanted me to work hard this pre-season to go as far as I can.

Lawrie is expected to play a bigger role for Saints next season.

“I found that really motivating and it has been in the back of my mind.

“James is a senior player who has played over 400 first grade games and represented his country, so it meant a lot for him to say that.”

Graham’s advice for Lawrie also had a personal connection.

The proud Englishman recalled his rookie years at St Helens in 2000 when he had to work hard to fulfil his first grade dream.

It’s lesson Graham wanted to Lawrie to understand and ultimately emulate.

“James told me he had to really knuckle down when he was 19 to become a first grader,” he said.

“He said he didn’t want to be just known as a fringe first grader and it was completely up to me who I wanted to be known as.

Lawrie impressed in his rookie season. AAP Image/Michael Chambers.

“I told him I wanted to be known as a first grader and I really appreciated his advice.

“I’m only 22 next year, so I’m in a prime position to learn as much as I can and hopefully become a regular first grade.”

In a bid to become better, Lawrie spent the off-season fencing on his uncle’s farm on the South Coast.

He says the tranquil setting played a vital role in helping him refocus ahead of 2019.

“I grew up on a little farm, so I love it,” he said.

“I just went down there and did a bit of fencing. There is no reception, so I don’t touch my phone and I can just get away from it.

“My family also treat me like a normal person and I do some slave labour to help out, which I enjoy anyway.”

Lawrie finished the season in great form. Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images.

Fresh off his time on the farm, Lawrie is focused on a big 2019 season for the Dragons.

“I feel like I’ve built a lot of momentum,” he said.

“I started last year in NSW Cup and had a couple of games in first grade through the middle of the season.

“I then went back to NSW Cup because I had a couple of things to work on.

“I thought I did that and it showed in the finals series.

“Mary (McGregor) has put his trust in me and I just want to show him what I can do for the team.”