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Penrith assistant coach Trent Barrett says the acquisition of Jamie Soward from the start of next season will be a huge boost for the Panthers.
Former NSW five-eighth Soward put pen to paper on a four-year deal on Thursday and Barrett, who will coach the NSW Country Origin side on Sunday in Coffs Harbour, has backed the 28-year-old to shine at the foot of the Blue Mountains.
“He’ll be good – he’ll be able to control the game,” said Barrett on Saturday.
“His form over the last few weeks is back to where he was a few years ago and, with the forward pack we’ve got, it will suit his game.”
Barrett also believes Soward’s experience, which has led to him playing three times for the Blues and also in a grand final-winning team in 2010, would be vital to the development of a young Panthers side.
“We have a young side, and Jamie has played in a lot of big games and won a comp,” he said.
“He’s going to help our young halves with their kicking.
“It’s a start for us – we are going through a bit of rebuilding phase, but we have a lot of work to do before he comes on board.”
Barrett knows all about the pressure of wearing the No.6 shirt at the Dragons and warned Soward it doesn’t get an easier when you no longer wear the famous Red V.
“There’s pressure wherever you go and the Penrith fans will expect him to play well,” he said.
Penrith’s NSW and City prop Tim Grant also welcomed the news of Soward’s arrival.
“It’s a great signing for us,” Grant told AAP.
“He’s an experienced player and I’m looking forward to playing with him.”
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