He’s one of the games best young centres, and he’s received a huge wrap with his captain, and Tigers team-mate Robbie Farah, labeling him as a worthy recipient of a Blues jersey for the 2011 season.
After spending the last few training sessions at camp with the boom centre, Farah believes that Lawrence is more than ready, both physically and mentally to compete on the representative arena.
“Without a doubt he could handle himself in Origin, I think he’s tipping the scales at about 100 kilos at the moment and he’s one of the fastest players in the game,” Farah said.
“I think he got a lot out of the experience that he got in the Four Nations, and I know he was disappointed that he missed out on the team in the final.
“He’s a kid with a lot of ambition and he sets himself high goals, and I know next year he’s looking to go one step further and make his Origin debut and try and cement a spot for the Aussie side.
“And if I was a betting man I’d be backing him all the way in. He’s a great kid, a very professional kid, and in my opinion one of the best centres in the game.”
“He’d handle it standing on his head. I don’t think that would be a problem, he wouldn’t take a backward step. I think if anything it would probably bring out the best in him.
Lawrence who has had a sniff of representative football, but never played in it, was a member of the 40 man squad in 2009, before being named 18th man in the 2010 series.
Farah also believes that we can see Lawrence’s best season since he started his career.
“Next year is a big year for him,” Farah said.
“I think everybody forgets he’s only 22 as well. He’s still a young fella but he is one of the more senior players in our side and a player that everyone looks up to.
“He leads by example whether it be off the field, at training or during the game.
“For a kid of his age, I think it speaks highly of the direction he’s heading in.”