Why Sea Eagles star Brenton Lawrence is feeling so proud

MANLY prop Brenton Lawrence has spoken of his pride and passion at representing Australia — despite missing a place in the Kangaroos Four Nations squad.

Brenton Lawrence with some local fans in PNG

MANLY prop Brenton Lawrence has spoken of his pride and passion at representing Australia — despite missing a place in the Kangaroos Four Nations squad.

Lawrence narrowly missed a spot in coach Tim Sheens’ 24-man team but the giant Sea Eagles front-rower wasn’t angry — he was still buzzing at representing the Prime Minister’s XIII which defeated Papua New Guinea 34-16 in Kokopo last Sunday.

Winning his senior rep jumper capped a wonderful season for Lawrence, who helped Manly to semi-final football and was discussed as a possible Queensland State of Origin prop.

Lawrence reflected yesterday on the unbelievable excitement and enthusiasm of PNG rugby league fans.

LAURIE DALEY SAYS ORIGIN LOOMS FOR LAWRENCE

“It wasn’t a Test jumper but it was still an Australian jumper,” he said. “We were still representing our country and that’s something I am proud of.

h

Brenton Lawrence training with the Prime Minister’s XIII. Picture: Stewart McLean

“The guys were great, they were a really good bunch of blokes. Something I did out of it, you see everyone play here and there but watching everyone play together, rugby league in Australia is in a great position. There are some outstanding players that played on Sunday.”

Asked about the PNG experience and the fan’s passion, Lawrence said: “Incredible. The people are extremely friendly and are always smiling and happy to say hello.

“Their enthusiasm for us as a team was like nothing I have ever seen before.

“It was proper euphoria. You don’t often see that. They were legitimately euphoric to see us. That is something I will remember for a long time.

“Football wise, they are showing they are a nation that is getting much better.”

Manly's Brenton Lawrence during Manly Sea Eagles training at Sydney Academy of Sport, Narrabeen. Picture: Gregg Porteous

He is already focused on 2016.

Lawrence damaged nerves in his knee during the game but doesn’t expect the injury to derail his off-season.

“I will see the doctor and see what he says,” Lawrence said.

“I am already looking forward to next year and bettering myself as a player and how I can improve again.

“I didn’t make the Test team so officially this year is over. I will look to get a bit of rest and start getting excited about going better in 2015.”

No doubt Lawrence has a strong representative future despite missing Test selection.