Wests Tigers Head Coach Michael Maguire has confirmed that Chris Lawrence will return from injury against the Canberra Raiders on Friday night at Bankwest Stadium.
After missing the entirety of the 2019 season so far due to a horrific facial injury suffered in the pre-season, Lawrence had been named as part of the 21-man squad for Wests Tigers for the first time as part of Tuesday's team announcement.
Maguire confirmed the good news of his inclusion at a press conference today, telling reporters that the 30-year-old would be part of the team on Friday.
"He'll be playing," Maguire told reporters today.
"I can't wait to see him run back out there in the jersey.
"I think it's an incredible story to have see him be in the position he was way back in the pre-season to where he is now. It's an incredible achievement just to play, and I know that he wants to get back out there with the teammates that he loves.
"He's a big part of what we're doing here and I can't wait to see him out on the field.
"I think he's going to be fantastic for us."
Lawrence nearing a return from horrific facial injury
Having sustained 11 facial fractures, Lawrence's extensive recovery wasn't unnoticed by Maguire, who spoke of the veteran forward's mental toughness.
"He's amongst our leaders and he's been helping a lot of our younger guys coming through for some time now," Maguire said.
"We've been talking amongst the senior players about how we want to be as a team, and I think to have a guy like that back is a major boost for us.
"We're not happy with where we are at the moment — we want to climb up that ladder like everyone. We've got a high expectation of each other and what we expect, and Chris will certainly help bring that this weekend."
