Chris Lawrence believes Wests Tigers have the ingredients to end their finals drought and says coach Benji Marshall is growing into the role despite the external noise surrounding the Club.
Speaking with SEN’s Adam Hawse, the former Tigers captain says there is genuine reason for optimism heading into the new season.
“Fingers crossed, it can be a positive year. I think it’s the hope of every Wests Tigers fan,” Lawrence says.
“I think with a couple of additions and a lot of positive signs last year, they’re definitely in a lot better shape potentially than previous years.”
The Wests Tigers have not played finals football since 2011, but Lawrence says last season showed the squad can match it with the competition’s best when key players are fit and available.
“When they had their top squad, their main players within the starting 17 available, they could match it with some of the top four teams,” he says.
“The challenge is doing that consistently and having that depth to call upon when needed. But I think they’re a really good chance.
“They look like the type of squad that have a lot of belief, and belief and confidence can go a long way. If they can put themselves in a position to make a run in the finals, that belief and confidence can get them there.”
Lawrence also threw his full support behind Marshall, who is entering the next phase of his tenure as head coach.
The former premiership-winning five-eighth says Marshall has learned quickly after being “thrown in the deep end” transitioning from assistant to full-time coach.
“He’s had some fast and harsh lessons the last couple of years, going from assistant into full-time coach,” Lawrence says.
“People argue about the fact he hasn’t been a coach for long, but he was a great player not just because of his skills, but his ability to adapt and read the game.
“You can see how quickly he’s adapting his coaching style. He wants to keep improving and do whatever’s best for the team.”
Lawrence says the trust between Marshall and the playing group is evident.
“You can hear it in the voice of the players, the trust and belief they have in him,” he says.
“As long as they keep that connection and keep turning up for him, things will turn.”
He also believes reducing inconsistency and avoiding prolonged losing streaks will be crucial in keeping pressure and media scrutiny at bay.
“Three losses in a row becomes a flag. That’s when the media pressure and scrutiny starts to come on and it compounds,” Lawrence says.
“If they can prevent back-to-back or three losses in a row, a lot of the pressure will stay off them because they can remain competitive and just focus on the footy.
“The one thing Benji would be reiterating is to make sure they’re competing to the 80th minute every game. There’s going to be games you don’t win, but if they’re competing to the end, more often than not things are going to go your way.”
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