Wests Tigers centre Chris Lawrence has highlighted the importance that the final two matches of the season will have in boosting confidence within the squad.
The team will travel to Canberra tomorrow ahead of Saturday’s match against the 15th placed Raiders, who last Sunday broke a five-game losing streak with a 22-12 victory over Cronulla.
Lawrence and his fellow teammates will attempt to break a similar run of form this weekend at GIO Stadium.
“We are playing for a bit of pride,” Lawrence said when he fronted the media yesterday. “Trying to get that confidence back and get some momentum going into next year.”
“Particularly for these younger guys we have in the team, it has been a tough month of football and it’s about getting back on track.”
The 25-year-old has played 19 of a possible 22 games this season and recently played his 150th match for the Wests Tigers.
With backline regulars James Tedesco, David Nofoaluma and Tim Simona all currently sidelined through injury, the team received some positive news with the likely inclusion of Pat Richards this week.
Richards’ return will be a handy addition with the side losing the past five matches - four against current top eight teams the Bulldogs, Cowboys Storm and Roosters.
Lawrence said a strong finish to the season is a must – starting with Canberra this weekend.
“It is really important (to finish the year strong) especially after the last month we have had and the way we have been losing,” he said.
“If we can finish the year with a bit of confidence and a couple of wins it then helps our pre-season - the boys will have that belief and confidence straight away.”
Following on from the Raiders match, Wests Tigers will host the Cronulla Sharks next Saturday at Leichhardt Oval.
The game marks Member Appreciation Round, with a host of activities to feature on the day - exclusively to Wests Tigers Members.
Spectators will also have the chance to cheer on our Holden Cup side ahead of their finals campaign and also watch a match from the first round of the NSW Cup finals series - with the Wests Tigers side in contention to feature on the day (finalised schedule to come early next week).
Click here to secure your seat for our final home game of the year against the Cronulla Sharks at Leichhardt Oval on September 6.
