LAWRENCE ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

The Huddersfield Giants would like to wish the very best of luck to Club Legend Michael Lawrence who yesterday bowed out in Bradford's defeat to Toulouse.

The sport of Rugby League and Huddersfield Giants says goodbye to one of its true greats, as Michael Lawrence hangs up the boots and brings to an end an illustrious career which has seen him play over 350 games, scoring 54 tries to date.

Michael played his first Rugby at Newsome Panthers, and was named in the Giants squad in August 2007 for their Super League game against Warrington Wolves and came on for the final five minutes of the game. In doing so, he made history, becoming the first player born in the 1990’s to play in Super League, debuting at the age of 17. 

Lawrence was selected for the England Academy squad in 2007, rewarding his high-level performances in Claret and Gold. 

By this point, it was already announced that he would be becoming a permanent member of the Giants squad for the 2008 season, and expectation was building on the young player from Huddersfield and the team, which were starting to gain momentum on the field.

Lawrence turned that momentum into points, starting 12 games and scoring 4 tries, including a brace in the 50-16 victory over Hull Kingston Rovers. He would follow on in 2009 by having his best year from a wing position, scoring 9 tries as the Giants secured their best ever finish in the Super League, finishing 3rd.

He scored perhaps his most memorable try of his career in the 2010 season, showing off his excellent skills to kick the ball past Francis Meli for a quite spectacular try in the Super League Semi-Final against St Helens at the last game at Knowsley Road. Although the Giants would miss out on Old Trafford, the try was an excellent example of Lawrence’s ability to surprise all around him.

Lawrence surprised supporters again by changing position, moving from the three-quarter line to his current position, in the back-row. From there, he became a defensive machine and became able to use his stamina and professionalism to great effect, delivering the club their first ever League Leaders Shield and the clubs first top place finish in 81 years. 

Most point to Bruno’s attitude and professionalism as a reason for his excellent success. What is noticeable about him is that he commands universal respect in the game.

Bradford Head Coach Brian Noble commented on Bruno "Michael has been an outstanding captain of this club for the past three years".

Michael will always be a Giant, as he represented his hometown club with honour and pride, we wish him the very best in his future career and he is always welcome back.