Wests Tigers rely on discarded duo Tim Grant and Chris Lawrence following Aaron Woods’ injury

TIM Grant and Chris Lawrence’s careers hung in the balance last season. Now the pair are expected to lead a weakened Wests Tigers pack missing Aaron Woods.

Tigers Tim Grant hugs Chris Lawrence after a try during the Wests Tigers v Cronulla Sharks pre season trial game at Campbelltown Stadium , Campbelltown. Pic Jenny Evans

TIM Grant and Chris Lawrence’s careers hung in the balance at the end of last season now the pair are expected to lead a weakened Wests Tigers forward pack missing captain Aaron Woods.

Grant was released early from back to back contracts after lasting just one season of a four year deal at South Sydney, having signed from his junior club Penrith last year before joining the Tigers this year. For Lawrence, he faced an uncertain future of his own when he was told that he was free to leave the Tigers at the end of last year.

It was a similar position to that of long-term teammate Robbie Farah, whose tap on the shoulder by coach Jason Taylor drew widespread coverage.

Instead of walking away, Lawrence will co-captain the Tigers for the first time at Leichhardt Oval in the absence of Woods.

“At the end of any season when the club is not successful the club needs to have a look to make changes,” Lawrence said. “Robbie and myself and other guys were given options (to leave). That’s the modern day footballer. Contracts don’t mean much. They can be chopping and changing here and there. I let my manager sort it out.

“There has to be someone to blame with the way we finished at the back end of 2013 and again after a poor season last year. When you don’t finish in the top eight sides have to find a reason why.”

This year is the last of a rich five-year deal for Lawrence, although he has an option in his favour to remain at the Tigers in 2017. The former Test centre said despite last year’s setback he could remain at the Tigers beyond 2016.

“I could be here next year,” the 27-year-old said. “In a perfect world being a one club player would be great. But in modern day footy that doesn’t happen. It’ll be no problem with me if it doesn’t happen.

“I want to focus on having a strong start to the year given it’s my first full pre-season as a back-rower. I wouldn’t say never to (returning to) the centres but I’ve enjoyed being in the back-row.

“It suits my game with the structure we’ve got here.”

Grant can relate to Lawrence’s plight having been moved on twice despite being contracted. Lining up for this third club in as many years, Grant will also need to fill the void following Wood’s six week ankle injury.

“I don’t see it as pressure,” Grant said. “I see it as an opportunity.

“We are all going to have to dig in a little deeper. I feel like the spotlight is on me now which is fine. I’ve been playing back to the standard I know I can play. I’m excited by the challenge.”

Grant and Lawrence are enjoying their second chances.

Grant’s head to head battle with Melbourne’s Jesse Bromwich looms as a potential match decider when the Tigers host Melbourne on Sunday. Grant, who will play his 150th top grade game, said he felt like he was recapturing the form which saw him play two games for NSW in 2012.

“For me I knew it was always there,” Grant said. “It was just a matter of playing longer minutes and getting the opportunity. I feel good for that.

“Moving back out west to be closer to my family and friends has been a good thing.”

Originally published as Wests Tigers rely on discarded duo Tim Grant and Chris Lawrence following Aaron Woods’ injury