Blake Lawrie is relishing his new role off St George Illawarra's bench, but says he needs to "go up a level" in their crunch clash with the Roosters on Monday.
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The hard-nosed prop played arguably his game of the season in last week's win over the Knights, generating 182 metres from 20 carries. Lawrie provided a real one-two punch off the interchange with Josh McGuire, who also mustered 134 metres from 11 runs.
However, the 25-year-old isn't ready to rest on his laurels. With the likes of Jared Wearea-Hargreaves and Victor Radley looming on the horizon, Lawrie knows he needs to keep working hard.
"I wouldn't say I was in poor form at the start of the year, but we'd had a few losses, so I guess my performance [against Newcastle] stood out a bit more than it normally would. Obviously starting the game's very different to coming off the bench, but I'm relishing the role," Lawrie said.
"But the Roosters have been a top four team since I've been part of first grade. We need a whole 80-minute performance because they've got a world-class forward pack with Hargreaves, [Lindsay] Collins and [Siosiua] Taukeiaho, and Victor Radley's playing some good footy. We've got to go a level, you can't just match them [from the bench]. You've got to be on your game the whole time you're on the field and do the best for your team."
Monday will mark the 20th time the two sides have met on Anzac Day, with the Dragons holding a slight edge in terms of wins (11-8). However, the Roosters have dominated the occasion's recent history, emerging victorious in four of the past five clashes - including a 34-10 drubbing last year.
Lawrie's teammate Jaydyn Su'a is gearing up for his first Anzac Day clash, after joining the club from the Rabbitohs during the off season.
The 24-year-old appreciates the importance of the fixture and said he was ready to get involved.
"I'm excited, obviously I've watched this game from afar for a while now. The occasion, and what it represents, and to represent our Anzacs past and present, I can't wait to get out there," Su'a said.
"I know it's a fierce game and an important day for a lot of people. The Roosters are one of the more premier teams in our competition, but we need the two points so I'm sure that we'll come out firing as well."
The Roosters have been a top four team since I've been part of first grade... you've got to be on your game the whole time you're on the field.
- - Blake Lawrie
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Joshua Bartlett
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
