Farah backs Lawrence to shine for Blues - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Farah backs Lawrence to shine for Blues

Joe Barton 22/12/2010 03:14:40 PM Comments (0)

Wests Tigers captain Robbie Farah expects young centre Chris Lawrence to build on his Australian debut and break through into the NSW Origin team in 2011.

After seeing the progress the 22-year-old made while with Australia's Four Nations squad this year, Farah has no doubt Lawrence is ready for the rough and tumble of the Origin arena.

Lawrence scored a try on his international debut in Australia's victory over New Zealand in November, but was dropped for the final a week later when his Wests Tigers teammate Benji Marshall masterminded a late upset over Australia.

Lawrence, who was named in a 40-man NSW squad in 2009, has been completing gruelling gym sessions with Farah before club training officially starts in the new year.

Farah has seen a determination in the youngster's eye that has convinced the fiery hooker that Lawrence is ready for a big season.

"Next year is a big year for him," Farah told AAP.

"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."

Farah, who made his Origin debut for the Blues in 2009, said the Tigers junior would have no trouble handling the Origin arena - and would in fact revel in the challenge of stopping the Queensland juggernaut.

"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 added.

"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 anythingit would probably bring out the best in him.

"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."

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