Even Tigers’ big guns must earn their stripes

IVAN Cleary’s shock decision to drop winger David Nofoaluma shows reputations mean nothing at the NRL club, says Wests Tigers co-captain Chris Lawrence.

Nofoaluma is a surprise omission from Cleary’s starting side for Saturday’s NRL season-opener against the Sydney Roosters, and has instead been named to play re- serve grade this week.

The 24-year-old has been a staple on the Tigers’ edge for the past two years but Cleary has opted to go with Corey Thompson and Malakai Watene-Zelezniak as his wingers.

“He’s rewarded the guys that have worked hard and proven themselves in pre-season and that, really, reputations mean nothing here,” Lawrence told reporters on Thursday.

“We’ve got enough depth that we can cover those spots and it really puts everyone on notice that if you’re not performing week to week, someone in your position is going to take your spot.

“That’s great for competition for spots and hopefully that’s going to drive consistent performances.”

The Tigers will start as outsiders against a Roosters side boasting big-name recruits Cooper Cronk and ex-Tigers star James Tedesco.

Lawrence warned his teammates against verbally targeting their former fullback.

“I’m sure at some stage there’ll be a bit of banter from the guys, particularly when you get him in a tackle,” he said.

“But there’s plenty of strike across the park and if you try to focus too much energy on him, it’ll be to our demise.

“You’ve just got to limit his opportunities and that comes from us holding the ball in possession.

“If you give them too many opportunities on our side of the half, he’s a great player and he’s going to hurt you.”

Lawrence also believes Cronk will put pressure on himself to perform in his first official outing for his new club following 14 seasons with Melbourne.