League: Lawrence all set for 'biggest moment of career'

Chris Lawrence is confident Australia will beat the New Zealand favourites.Photo / Getty Images

A major reshuffle by Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens means the Kiwis will face four Australian test newcomers at Eden Park tonight.

One of them, centre Chris Lawrence, has big boots to fill, with Greg Inglis, Justin Hodges, Jamie Lyon and Michael Jennings among the players unavailable.

The 22-year-old Lawrence - who plays under Sheens at Wests Tigers - made his first-grade debut four years ago. He was quickly earmarked for stardom and now has an earlier-than-expected chance to prove his class on the international stage.

Lawrence takes a few questions from the Herald.

This must be a special moment - what's it like following in the footsteps of greats like Mal Meninga and co?

This is the biggest moment of my career so far. It was certainly my dream to represent my country and now I get to live it. It is an honour to think you are in a bunch that includes names like Mal Meninga, Wally Lewis, Brad Fittler, Andrew Johns.

Were you from a league family?

My dad played lower grade but had a lot of injuries ... my great-grandfather, grandfather and uncle were all South Sydney players. I think they used to hold the record for most games by one family at Souths.

Childhood hero?

Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler - and I loved to watch Bradley Clyde play.

What do you know about the last league game at Eden Park - the 1988 World Cup final?

I was only born that year. I heard a bit about the match at the international awards this week. Australia got the cash that day but that's the most I know about it.

As a clubmate of Benji Marshall's you are well placed to know his tricks. Will this be an advantage?

A lot of people think Benji plays off the cuff but he actually practises a lot of the freakish stuff over and over again. I know a few of his moves so hopefully it can be a slight advantage.

What was your most memorable game as a spectator?

The 1997 grand final between Manly and Newcastle, when Darren Albert scored to win it for Newcastle on the bell. That sort of stage and atmosphere drives you on - I wanted to run out there as a kid and join in.

Is there any one thing you would like changed in league?

The rules are pretty spot on. But more clarity is needed over the stripping rule. There is still too much confusion over what is accidental.

You love ...

Being paid to do what I love doing.

Don't love ...

Pre-season training in 35 degrees heat ... it's no fun being out there for two or three hours but you have to get that work into you.

Toughest opponent?

Steve Price. The level he played at for so many years was amazing. Towards the end he had a few injuries but that was rare. He was such a tough player, carried the ball up hard, always hit you hard, did it all game, and played a lot of minutes for a front rower. He was the toughest I've ever played.

Hardest hitter?

There are a few out there. I've been hit hard a few times but thankfully never had a massive shot put on me yet. I've seen a few put on. [Bulldog] Jamal Idris at the moment perhaps. He's a very big unit.

We hear you already have a few business interests ...

I started a company with two mates about three years ago running PE programmes for primary schools. We did a bit of research and found teachers aren't getting outside the classroom as much as they should. We're also looking to start some aged-care rehabilitation. I enjoy it and it gets my mind completely away from football for one day a week. And I wanted something set up for when I finish footy.

If you weren't a league professional ...

I'd be at university studying something. I'm doing a bachelor of commerce online. If I had to pick another sport it would be American football. I love the NFL. It is a completely different game to league - the NFL is all speed and power. Maybe I could have been a kicker.

Right - back to the game. A few famous old Aussie players claimed this week that test football has gone soft. What's the deal?

I don't think the intensity has dropped. Everyone in the playing group would admit our performance against England wasn't good enough for an Aussie side. The rain didn't help but there will be a lot of improvement this week.

You'll be marking the NRL's form centre Shaun Kenny-Dowall - what are his strengths?

He's very strong, deceptively so, and very tall. He takes a lot of yardage hit ups for the Roosters, gives them a lot of their go forward, and he will probably do that for the Kiwis.

A match prediction?

The New Zealanders have to be favourites, comparing the two performances against England. They were less patchy than us. I'm confident we will win though.