IN-FORM Michael Lawrence is hoping his England Knights days are far from over.
But helping hometown club Huddersfield continue to be a major Super League force will always be his top priority.
The 22-year-old former Newsome Panthers junior was picked as a centre for the Knights last season, but has been overlooked this time following his switch to back-row forward.
As a result, watching the Knights in action against Ireland next weekend could prove an uncomfortable experience – even though Lawrence is looking forward to seeing teammates Dale Ferguson, Jermaine McGillvary and Larne Patrick in action for England’s rising stars.
Before then, however, there’s the small matter of the Giants hosting Hull KR at the Galpharm Stadium on Monday night (8.00).
And Lawrence, who this week has earned praise from head coach Nathan Brown for the consistency of his performances, has made it clear that helping the Giants return to winning Super League ways after four successive top-flight defeats is far higher up his personal agenda than proving the selectors were wrong not to keep him in the England Knights’ set-up.
“To be honest, I don’t know whether the door’s still open for me or not,” said the former England Academy international.
“And it’s not really something I’ve thought about, particularly at a time like this.
“Like everyone else in the squad, I’m 100% focused on trying to turn things around after such a tough few weeks.
“To say we all felt bitterly disappointed when we came off the pitch at Widnes on Sunday (after the shock 26-22 defeat) would be the world’s greatest understatement.
“This week’s really dragged, because we’re having to wait quite a long time to get back out there against Hull KR and get the chance to put things right.
“That’s all I can think about at the moment.
“All I want to do is do my best for the Giants and help us start winning again. That’s all I’m bothered about at the moment.
“It’s good to hear Browny say he’s pleased with how I’m playing and that’s he’s been happy with the consistency of my game.
“But winning games is what it’s ultimately all about, and while we’re not doing that how can I be totally happy?
“I know we will turn things around, and hopefully that’ll start against Hull KR on Monday night.
“When we start winning again on a regular basis, that’s the time I’ll probably start to think about the possibility of playing in the Knights’ games at the end of the year.
“Now certainly isn’t the time.”
It’s clear Lawrence’s switch from backs to pack was a factor in him losing his Knights’ spot.
But after starting to enjoy his back-row role, he’s preparing to return to the three-quarters for another lengthy spell.
“With Joe (Wardle) out for a couple of months with a groin injury, I’m more than happy to move back and cover,” he added.
“I’m more than comfortable playing that role, and if it’s felt me playing centre again is best for the club that’s good enough for me.
“Having said that, I’m loving playing in the back-row now.
“It was pretty tough at first, but I do feel I’ve adjusted to it well. You do have to work hard, but that’s what I like.
“Working hard is obviously the key to success in our game, and I know that if we continue to work hard the results will come.
“If we start getting back to our best, then I know we can beat Hull KR on Monday and try and put the past month behind us.”
