Lawrence focused on remaining adaptable to new rules

Having spent his rugby league career adjusting to different positions and game plans, Wests Tigers veteran Chris Lawrence says being adaptable to the new rule changes and interpretations remains the key for his side as they prepare to face the Titans this Sunday.

Set for career game 243 this week after retaining his spot on the interchange bench, Lawrence said he was pleased with the way his side handled their in-game changes in last week's win over Cronulla but enthused it needed to continue this week.

"It was definitely a good way to restart the competition for us," Lawrence told reporters after training on Tuesday. "Given it's now a shortened competition, it was really important that we got off to a good start [to the year].

"I definitely think with the new rules you have to be fitter and more adaptable to things on the run. Just in that first round of games, the sides that had momentum and completed well and had a good share of the ball, they really ran away with the game towards the back end."

While only having a few weeks of training before playing their first game, Lawrence said the side's fitness under Coach Michael Maguire was key in adjusting to the new six-again rule and changes under the one referee system.

“You need to have a fit side but it’s about being smart with the ball," he said.

"It’s about knowing that if you're dropping the ball, you need to try and play a simple game and maintain that momentum swing. If you don't get that even share of the ball it really makes a difference to be able to stay in the game.