TRIBUTES TO MICHAEL LAWRENCE

Michael Lawrence has announced his retirement from Rugby League after 17 years in the sport.

Having come through the ranks at Huddersfield Giants, ‘Bruno’ made his Super League debut against Warrington Wolves in 2007. 

A Newsome Panthers junior, Lawrence went on to make over 350 appearances for his hometown club, playing a key role in the Giants’ league leaders shield winning side back in 2013. 

In 2021, he made his full debut for the newly formed Jamaican Rugby League side, against England Knights, representing his parents’ home country. A year later, the ‘Reggae Warriors’ featured in their first ever Rugby League World Cup, with Lawrence on the field for their historic first try against New Zealand in Hull. 

2023 saw Lawrence leave his boyhood club to join the Bulls, where he was immediately named captain. Since his arrival, the Bulls have secured three straight third-placed finishes and featured in five semi-finals. 

Brian Noble, Bradford’s head coach for the 2025 season, said: 

“Michael Lawrence has been an outstanding captain for this club for three years. Outstanding, truly intelligent, thoughtful, insightful and I couldn't have any more high words of praise for him. 

“He brings standards to everything he does, he’s got a good football IQ and he’s cute when he speaks to other players. Michael’s been our leader now for a few years and he was here when we were all trying to make Bulls a whole lot better place in the football department.

“He’s helped drive standards and shown that leadership required for everybody, to the point now where it’s the norm. If you’re out of line in the football department, you get picked off by the other players, and that’s led by Michael.” 

Bradford Bulls’ Chief Executive Officer Jason Hirst said: 

“Michael came to us from Huddersfield on the back of a glowing recommendation in terms of his leadership and personal attributes. In short, he was exactly what we needed at the time in terms of raising standards and expectations. 

“In one of my first conversations with Michael I alluded to how much Huddersfield had been a part of his life and how much it meant to him. I went on to say that I hoped that in time he’d feel the same way about Bradford. 

“We both recalled that conversation at the weekend and Michael told me that he 100% had the same feelings about Bradford. That’s testament to Michael and our club. 

“My only personal regret, in terms of Michael, is that we couldn’t quite win the silverware he craved in his time with us. What he did win though, was the unquestionable respect of everyone at Bradford Bulls. 

“Any future success our club has in the next year or so will be on the back of Michael’s immense contribution in his 3 years as our club captain.

On behalf of everyone at Bradford Bulls, I congratulate and thank Michael for everything he’s given to Bradford Bulls and Rugby League.”