Jamie Soward says he has put his time at St George Illawarra, good and bad, behind him as he sets about once again proving himself as an NRL footballer with Penrith next year.
A 2010 premiership-winner with the Dragons, but a lightning rod of criticism for the club’s lacklustre performances since 2011, Soward was unceremoniously cast aside by the joint venture this year as they struggled to one of their worst seasons.
He then spent a short stint in the Super League with London Broncos before joining the Panthers for pre-season training last week.
The enigmatic playmaker said the time away gave him the opportunity to clear his head, reassess and return to the NRL with a clean slate.
“I got away and had some time to reflect and realised I was trying to prove things to the wrong people, I just need to prove that I can still do it (play good football) to myself,” Soward said on Thursday.
“I just needed to get back into a comfortable environment where I am now and working with people who I want to work with to get the best out of me. I know that is when I play my best football.
“Now I’m at the Panthers I’m not going to stand around and talk about the Dragons for the next four years. I want to get that out of the way now and concentrate on playing my best football here.”
Some eyebrows were raised when the Panthers signed the former State of Origin five-eighth to a four-year deal starting in 2014, Soward saying it was now up to him to make the most of the opportunity Penrith coach Ivan Cleary and football boss Phil Gould have given him.
“I’m loving it at Penrith and I’m grateful for the chance,” Soward said.
“Gus (Gould) and Ivan have played a big role in getting me here and I’m keen to repay that faith in me. It’s not about me doing everything it’s about me doing what I can to help the team.”
Soward is one of a host of significant signings for the Panthers ahead of next season, including Tyrone Peachey, Brent Kite, Elijah Taylor and Peter Wallace in a squad the 29-year-old goalkicking pivot said is capable of making the finals.
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