NAME: Karl Lawton
POSITIONS: Hooker, halfback, five-eighth
DATE OF BIRTH: 29-11-1995
JUNIOR CLUB: Burleigh Bears
WEIGHT: 85kg HEIGHT: 183cm
COACH BEN WOOLF’S TAKE: “Karl’s a five-eighth/hooker who is a really strong runner and has a good ability to break tackles. He also has an ability to make line-breaks and is a really good defender.”
Q: What work are you doing outside of footy?
A: I’ve trained with first grade a few times a week and done some part-time work and some days in the community and development area of the club.
Q: You have signed a deal that will bring you into the NRL squad next season, which must be exciting?
A: Yeah, I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a great opportunity and I’m glad to have it with the Titans being a local and after my brother Kane played with the Titans.
Q: As you said, your older brother Kane also played for the Titans, have you been told you are similar too him? Have you been called Kane?
A: Everyone gets it mixed up and says we are similar. The ‘KA’ gets everyone mixed up.
Q: How did you find the experience of playing the curtain-raiser to Origin III as part of the Queensland under-20s, did you mix with any of the Queensland stars?
A: I got along with them all, all good bunch of people. It was an awesome experience playing on the night and hearing the crowd, even though we lost. It shows how much passion Queenslanders have for their team, at 20s level too, and the whole state gets behind them.
Q: You’ve played hooker, halfback and five-eighth for the Titans. Which was your usual position in the juniors, do you have a preference?
A: As a junior I was a hooker but I really like five-eighth, it is probably my favourite spot. The club probably sees me more as a hooker and a utility.
Q: You weren’t selected in the Titans’ under-20s squad until midway through last season, did you think your opportunity had gone?
A: No, I didn’t think I would get picked up and that they had a set squad but they kept their eyes open and Woolfy [coach Ben Woolf] gave me a call and then gave me an opportunity.
Q: Who have been the biggest influences on your footy career and your life?
A: My brother Kane. He has coached me through life and also footy. He has helped me out through everything and plays a big role in my life.
