Lawrence targets Warriors clash

After missing the victory over St George, Wests Tigers centre Chris Lawrence says he’s  determined to take his place in the team against the New Zealand Warriors on Friday.

Lawrence, who has already missed a significant portion of the season with a dislocated hip, was a late withdrawal from the Tigers’ line up after succumbing to a hamstring injury.

Inspired by Benji Marshall, the Tigers overcame the Dragons 21-12 to earn themselves a home quarter final with the Warriors.

And Lawrence is keen to make an appearance at the Sydney Football Stadium.

“I’m playing no matter what,’’ a smiling Lawrence said.

“I was pretty close to playing last week. I worked really hard early in the week and put my body through a lot.

“It wasn’t just my hammy. My body was pretty sore later on in the week, especially Thursday. I had another run but my body was feeling the effects of the tough week.

“The medical staff felt that going into a game fatigued like that was probably not the best preparation so they decided to give me another weekend to freshen up.”

After defeat against Brisbane, the match is the Warriors’ last chance to keep their finals hopes alive.

The winner will meet minor premiers Melbourne in the second preliminary final on September 24.