Brooks praises reliable Lawrence ahead of final game

Wests Tigers halfback Luke Brooks has paid tribute to retiring legend Chris Lawrence as one of the toughest and most reliable players he's ever lined up alongside throughout his career.

Lawrence is one of just two players to remain at Wests Tigers from Brooks' memorable debut back in 2013, with David Nofoaluma the only other face to have remained at the club in every season since that date.

For Brooks, he's formed a formidable partnership with Lawrence over the years — first as a centre partner on the left edge before the veteran transitioned in to the back row over the latter stages of his career.

"As a halfback, he was my back row and centre and the biggest thing was I knew what I was going to get from him every time," Brooks said.

"He's the toughest player I've ever played with.

"It's hard to describe actually what he does but it's everything. His professionalism off the field is incredible. You learn so much, as a kid, watching him and seeing what he does and then you see his toughness on the field.

"What he does on the field to come back from those injuries was amazing.

"I remember when he injured his face he came back against Canberra and I sort of gave him a hospital ball straight up," Brooks said sheepishly.

"But he took it straight up and didn't miss a beat so I'm definitely going to miss playing with him."