Life Member Chris Lawrence will be one of many past players in attendance on Sunday at CommBank Stadium when Wests Tigers play Penrith Panthers in Round 18 of the NRL Premiership.
Chris Lawrence All Schools Carnival
The game is part of Wests Tigers ‘Legends Round’, where the club will acknowledge all those who have worn its colours in previous eras.
As Community Manager Keehan Diamond explains, ‘heritage’ is one of three pillars of the Wests Tigers Foundation.
"We make it a priority to remember and acknowledge all those who have helped build this great club over many decades.
Linking our past with current club initiatives is important as we continue to enrich the lives of those in the community.”
Community Manager, Keehan Diamond
Lawrence, who played 253 games for the club over fifteen seasons, will be one of many familiar faces in the crowd from yesteryear on Sunday, including players from Western Suburbs Magpies, Balmain Tigers and the Wests Tigers.
Lawrence continues to play an active role with the club working in the wellbeing and education space, and recently had a rugby league carnival named in his honour.
The inaugural Chris Lawrence All Schools Carnival took place at Kirkham Oval, Camden, where schools from Moss Vale to Mount Annan participated in a gala day. The event, which will be held each year, aims to provide opportunities for students in the South-West Sydney community.
Lawrence, who played his junior football for Eagle Vale St Andrews and attended St Gregory's College, Campbelltown, says he’s proud to have the gala day carry his name.
“It’s great for Wests Tigers to be doing so much development work in the community, particularly in grassroots rugby league.
“It’s been an interrupted couple of years with COVID, so it’s really pleasing to see the kids enjoying these carnivals again.
“Carnivals like this can often be what is needed to introduce young boys and girls to our game.”
