Jamie Soward is desperate for a shot at Origin redemption, but NSW coach Ricky Stuart has warned his loyalty needs to be reciprocated with NRL form.
St George Illawarra pivot Soward is the incumbent Blues No.6, his three games alongside Mitchell Pearce in last year’s series the first time NSW have maintained the same halves combination since 2003.
Having come so close to ending Queensland’s six-year dominance last year, Soward wants another crack in 2012, but knows he’s facing stiff opposition from the likes of Todd Carney, Jarrod Mullen and James Maloney.
“Being the guy that was there last year, I’d like to think I’d get another shot this year,” Soward said.
“But that will come down to how we’re playing and how I’m going as a half.
“There’s a lot of talented halves out there … everyone was pretty quick to get rid of me when Carney came back in, so I’ll just have to wait and see.
“As long as we’re playing good footy at the Dragons and I’m playing well individually, Sticky’s (Stuart) got my number – hopefully he’ll call.”
Carney had been pencilled in for the NSW No.6 jumper in 2011 after dominating the NRL en route to claiming the Dally M award and making his Test debut in 2010.
His career spiralled out of control to the point he was shown the door at the Sydney Roosters but, having revived his career at Cronulla, he has again emerged as a leading Blues candidate.
“To be honest, a lot of people probably saw me as a back-up last year – the last resort,” Soward said.
“Ricky knows the style of bloke I am and how I perform in that arena.”
Stuart is renowned for his loyalty and, while he says stability at the selection table will be vital if the Blues are to finally topple Queensland, form is also paramount.
The Blues mentor said potential players were aware of where they stood, having been in weekly contact with them.
“It (stability) is a real important factor,” Stuart said.
“Blokes who I’ve coached before know that I’m loyal – loyal if they’re playing well and they’re putting their hand up towards what the team’s goals are.”
Critics have pointed to the revolving door in the halves as being at the heart of NSW’s woes since their last series win in 2005.
Stuart said the constant shuffling had left the Blues without an experienced core to fall back on.
“That’s why we are an inexperienced footy team,” Stuart said.
“… either through injury or form, they haven’t warranted or put their hand up to keep their spots.
“The only way you get experience is playing good football and staying there and that’s the player’s job.”
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