Ex-Warrior Lawrie hitting heights in Hyrox world

He was the scaffolder from Christchurch, the man known as ‘Panther’, who owns a special place in One New Zealand Warriors folklore.

The honest toiler from grass roots rugby league, the always proud Hornby Panthers forward who chased the chance of playing in the NRL for the One New Zealand Warriors – and achieved it. He’s in the history books – Corey Lawrie, forever Warrior #135.

His was a cameo NRL career encapsulating four games in April-May 2007 but more on scaling rugby league’s heights later because so much has changed for Lawrie since.

Back then he was 27, now he’s 46 and embracing a quantum shift in his sporting pursuit of choice – Hyrox.

For the uninitiated, Hyrox is something of a global indoor fitness craze that combines eight kilometres of running with eight functional workout stations. Often referred to as the ‘World Series of Fitness Racing,’ the event tests both cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength.

Right now Lawrie is preparing to travel to Stockholm in Sweden for the 2026 Hyrox world championships from June 18-21.

“I was transitioning away from rugby league and started running which I said in the past I’d never do but I found once I started running I really enjoyed it,” he said.

“The more I did it I realised I wasn’t a bad runner and family in the United Kingdom then mentioned Hyrox so I started looking into it.

“An event was confirmed in Auckland so I thought this might be my jam – and two years later I’ve found my new footy field.

“They reckon the Auckland course is the hardest on the circuit due to it being outside. Last year’s event was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, even more so than running at SBW (Sonny Bill Williams) in a trial game; all I could think was Corey Lawrie is about to become segment on SBW’s highlight reel.

“I’m in old men’s category (45-49). Half of us are getting around on walking frames but, in all seriousness, with my current times, I’d be in the top 10 in the world for the age group.”

After years of being smashed and bashed on the rugby league field, Lawrie is inured to pain.

“I love putting myself in the hurt locker and pro solo suits that mind set but last year (the) wall balls station humbled me and at one stage I was considering punching the ball … I can only abuse myself if I’m going no good!

“My running is my strongest part of my Hyrox. Don’t know why as playing footy I was like a turtle. As for stations I don’t have too many favourites as they all hurt.”

The coming trip to Stockholm came about fortuitously – but at a considerable cost. Lawrie has to raise all the funds himself.

“I got in through the back door to be honest. The guy who beat me in Auckland didn’t accept the invite so it came to me and I thought you only live once,” he said.

“Financially it’s not easy to be honest. I’ve been very lucky that my United Kingdom family has helped with my flight to Europe and I’ve had a lot of people donate so it’s been so humbling having all these people supporting me.

“To do this properly I’ve been trying to raise $12,000. I’m trying to make the most of this opportunity and really give this a decent shake as life might look a lot different in three months.

“I find it really difficult to ask for help as I know a lot of New Zealanders are struggling and it’s a pretty selfish thing I’m fundraising for.

“I’m still scaffolding. Not a bad job but this battered old rig will break down eventually and scaffolding is a tough gig. I also work a second job which I use to pay my daughter’s uni accommodation and to set aside some spending money for Europe.”

Lawrie was again on the podium in the Hing Kong Hyrox event in early May, finishing second and shouting out 'Up the Wahs' when his name was announced.

He draws on the toughness that kept him on the rugby league field until 2024. He was coaxed out or retirement one more time to play for Hornby, ending his playing days with a grand final win.

There’s always time to reflect on those days when he was with the Warriors almost 20 years ago taking the field with club legends of the ilk of Simon Mannering, Manu Vatuvei, Steve Price, Ruben Wiki, Logan Swann, Micheal Luck, Sam Rapira, Lance Hohaia, Nathan Fien and more. He even made it onto the front row in the team photo that year.

His four NRL appearances were off the interchange, the first two outings ending in victories over North Queensland and South Sydney while his last two were close losses to Newcastle and Wests Tigers.

“I know I was no Simon Mannering in the Warriors jersey and I also know poor Jerry Seuseu must hate my messages for favours which a four-game Warrior shouldn’t be asking for (lol) … but I’m very proud of what I did to get to that jersey,” said Lawrie.

“I never made Canterbury teams growing up but I worked my arse off to create that opportunity for myself later in my career and I think this new Hyrox is also built on relentless work rate.

“I want to show people of my age that anything is possible, that I’m just a guy with not a lot of talent but with drive to be the best.

“I want to inspire people to be the best version of themselves and that fitness is and should be all inclusive.

“Everyone’s journey is different but it’s a journey nonetheless and we all should be proud of our efforts whether it’s walking each day or running a marathon. Moving is moving and we should embrace being uncomfortable.”

• Anyone wishing to support Corey Lawrie in his challenge can contact him here.