Lawrence completes pack transition

Huddersfield’s Michael Lawrence has completed his transition to the pack, after spending a first full pre-season training with the forwards.

Lawrence, 22, started out as a centre but has gradually moved to the back-row in the past two seasons, and now weighs in at more than 100kg.

He told the club’s official website: “I now regard myself as a back-rower who can switch to centre, rather than a centre who can switch to the pack.

“That’s particularly the case after spending my pre-season working with the forwards. It’s something I’ve never done before.

“I’ve really enjoyed the extra physical demands of the training, and that’s made me even more confident I’m ready to make the switch.”

Lawrence, who has made 107 appearances for the Giants since his debut in 2008, also remains confident in his ability to play for a full 80 minutes each week, despite moving in to the pack.

He added: “Thanks to the work of (head conditioner) Greg Brown, I’ve also been able to maintain my levels of fitness, which means I’ll still be capable of playing a full 80 minutes.

“And because there’s so much competition for places in the pack, I hope that’s something I’ll be able to use to my advantage.”

Paul Anderson‘s Giants side looks set to be built around a huge pack, which already comprises fans favourite Eorl Crabtree, and new additions including Stuart Fielden, Craig Kopczak and Ukuma Ta’ai.

They get their first run-out when they take on former coach Nathan Brown’s St Helens side at Langtree Park on Friday night.