Laurie along with Ian Schubert, both from the rural New South Wales (NSW) township of Wauchope, came to the Roosters in NSWRFL season 1975, although Laurie did not make his first grade debut till the following season. During the 1976 NSWRFL season, he played in the forwards, helping Eastern Suburbs to victory in their unofficial 1976 World Club Challenge match against British champions St. Helens in Sydney.
A player from a small NSW town, Laurie, along with Ian Schubert, joined the Roosters team in 1975, although he didn't make his professional debut until the next season. In 1976, Laurie played in the forwards and helped Eastern Suburbs win against British champions St. Helens in an unofficial World Club Challenge match in Sydney.