Rugby league star Blake Lawrie has undergone a remarkable physical transformation following a brutally honest assessment from St George Illawarra Dragons coach Shane Flanagan during his 2025 end-of-season review. The feedback came after a challenging campaign where the Red V finished a disappointing 15th in the NRL standings.
A Harsh Reality Check
Flanagan delivered his unfiltered verdict to Lawrie, who made his NRL debut back in 2017, telling the forward he was 'the last front-rower on my squad list.' This blunt criticism deeply affected Lawrie, a former NSW Blues under-20s representative, but instead of dwelling on the negative feedback, he channeled it into motivation for change.
Dedicated Off-Season Regimen
Lawrie committed himself to an intensive training program throughout the entire pre-Christmas period, working separately from his teammates under the guidance of renowned exercise physiologist Justin Lang. The 29-year-old athlete embraced the challenge wholeheartedly, refusing to take any shortcuts in his pursuit of physical improvement.
The results have been nothing short of extraordinary: Lawrie has shed an impressive 12 kilograms of body fat while simultaneously adding four kilograms of lean muscle mass to his frame. His dedication has transformed him into what observers describe as a completely different athlete.
Reward for Hard Work
The off-contract forward's efforts were recognized when he secured a bench spot for the Dragons' season opener against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in Las Vegas on March 1st. Speaking about Flanagan's critical feedback, Lawrie admitted to News Corp: 'It hurt me, but I thanked him for looking out for my career.'
He elaborated on his motivation, explaining: 'I got left behind the last 18 to 24 months in terms of how fast the game has gotten. The game has changed, it's harder for bigger men. I am a better athlete now, I went all in on the program and the training...and it has paid off.'
Season Expectations and Team News
Despite many experts predicting the Dragons could finish with the wooden spoon this season, neither Flanagan nor the playing group appear concerned about external expectations. TAB has listed the Red V as $3.10 outsiders ahead of their clash with Canterbury in what's being dubbed the 'Sin City' showdown.
The Dragons will field several key players returning from injury at Allegiant Stadium:
- Forwards Josh Kerr (ankle) and Hame Sele (head knock)
- Centre Val Holmes (shoulder)
Additionally, former Cronulla Sharks player Dan Atkinson will make his Dragons debut alongside winger Setu Tu, who joined the club from the New Zealand Warriors. The Dragons last appeared in finals football back in 2018, adding extra significance to their 2025 campaign as they seek to return to postseason contention.
