Harder the better for Lawrence

TITANS-BOUND forward Brenton Lawrence has risked having a target placed on his back after controversially declaring NRL players thrive on being “punched in the head.”

The 32-year-old said there was a “thrill in that most people don’t understand” about getting hit and playing on.

Lawrence will lead the Sea Eagles into battle against the Panthers in tomorrow night’s elimination final against Penrith at Allianz Stadium.

“Maybe there needs to be an argument for the fact if you don’t want to play a rough game then don’t play rugby league. I don’t know,” the 190cm, 105kg prop said.

“I’ll probably get shot by the NRL for saying that.

“That’s what it is – a rough game. It’s played by people who like being rough.

“We’re blokes that like getting punched in the head or hit hard, shaking it off and going again.

“There is a thrill in that most people don’t understand. But that’s what a rugby league player gets out of bed for.

“The fans love it, absolutely. That’s what fans of our game tune in to watch.

“None of them come to the game anymore but that’s what they like to see.”