A hard-running forward with sheer tenacity, Blake Lawrie enjoyed a brilliant 2018 season which saw the Dragons forward make nine first-grade appearances following his NRL debut in 2017.
Lawrie has been touted as one of the rising stars in recent years with selection in the NSW Under 18's squad in 2015 before earning a place in the Under 20's side and Australian Schoolboys squad in 2017.
He was later rewarded with a place in Brad Fittler's Emerging Blue Squad – a clear acknowledgement of his strong form throughout 2018 with the potential to go to greater heights next season.
He played a crucial role in the club's Intrust Super Premiership surge towards the Preliminary Final, averaging 146m and 34 tackles per game throughout the season and formed as a core part of the Dragons forward pack in both grades.
He proved invaluable throughout the Origin period in the absence of NSW stars Paul Vaughan, Tariq Sims and Jack de Belin, with his efforts in the top grade more than admirable and adds quality depth to the Dragons for 2019.
He has a great chance to cement a spot in the Dragons top 17 next season, and with limitless potential, will undoubtedly become a household name in the near future.
