NRL Auckland Nines: Chris Lawrence to lead Wests Tigers’ charge in New Zealand

WESTS Tigers are poised to name star centre Chris Lawrence as their marquee player for the upcoming NRL Nines in Auckland.

Chris Lawrence, Wests Tigers open training session for members and fans at Campbelltown Stadium, Leumeah.

WESTS Tigers are poised to name star centre Chris Lawrence as their marquee player for the upcoming NRL Nines in Auckland.

The Tigers are set to rest Aussie stars Robbie Farah and Aaron Woods after their exhaustive campaigns for club, state and country last season.

But under NRL rules, clubs must name at least one of their five highest paid players in the team for the tournament that kicks off next Saturday week in Auckland.

Lawrence has struggled with injury in recent seasons but played 21 games in 2014 — his most since 2010.

And the Tigers are hoping the Nines will kick-start a return to form for the former Test centre.

“He is probably the fittest I have ever seen him and looks great for this stage of the year,” Tigers chief executive Grant Mayer said.

“Chris is running well and is the type of player who should be ideally suited to Nines football — he is such a great athlete and strong runner with the ball.”

Chris Lawrence has had a strong pre-season.

Originally published as NRL Auckland Nines: Chris Lawrence to lead Wests Tigers’ charge in New Zealand