‘Been to two Olympics’: Dragons confirm late switch with Nathan Lawson locked in to make NRL debut

Nathan Lawson’s decision to switch from rugby sevens to the NRL has paid off with the two-time Olympian set to make his debut.

Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has confirmed former sevens star Nathan Lawson will make his NRL debut for the club on Friday night after try-scoring machine Christian Tuipulotu was ruled out.

Tuipulotu scored seven tries in five matches but hasn’t played since the round 6 win over the Titans when he came off with a hamstring injury having already crossed for a double.

The left winger was named to make his return in Friday’s match against the Knights, but the club has decided to play it safe, with Tuipulotu expected to come back next week against the Dolphins.

Christian Tuipulotu will be kept on ice for one more week. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

“CT is very close,” Flanagan said.

“We could have pushed him if it was a semi-final or something like that. With his history, we told him he was playing all week and we’d get him to the start line, and then we were always going to pull him at the last minute because he’s had that hamstring that has caused a few problems.

“Our staff thought it would be better off if he had a really good training week and then get him ready for next week.”

The late change has opened the door for Lawson to make his NRL debut after joining the Dragons in the off-season following a decorated sevens career.

Lawson went to two Olympics with the Australian side and scored a stack of tries for the national team, with the recruit doing well in his eight games in reserve grade where he scored a hat-trick against Manly last month.

“It was interesting with the presentation with his dad and his partner this morning that we presented a jersey to a bloke that’s been to two Olympics and represented Australia numerous times,” Flanagan said.

“I think he’s had 25 Test matches and he’s been player of the year, so it was interesting that it’s a reverse cycle that he’s making his debut now in a different code.

Nathan Lawson will make his NRL debut after switching codes from rugby sevens. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

“He’s really excited about it and I’m really looking forward to him playing.

“One thing I know is that he’ll compete really hard.”

Maroons winger Valentine Holmes is set to play just 48 hours after the State of Origin opener, with the Dragons looking to build on their fantastic win over the Broncos before last week’s bye.

The Red V sit just outside the top eight but have the chance to move up the ladder during the Origin period where they’ll be close to full strength.

“Every game is important, but in this period during Origin, some sides have different issues with a few players away,” their coach said.

“We’re not disrupted, so (we have) to keep it simple, prepare well and make sure we’re ready to play during this period.

“After the Origin period, it’s just a race to the finals. If you get this period right then you put yourself in with a chance.”