Panthers sign Soward: was it the right move?

Soward = Worst player ever to represent NSW!!!

Oli i think you'll find its actually the exact opposite. Dragons fans love Soward because everyone else doesnt. Theres no doubt in the minds of red V fans what Jamie brought to the club, a premiership being the obvious highlight. Despite his patchy form over the past two seasons, the support fot him has never dwindled amongst fans. I attend most games at Kogarah and whilst the fans have become frustrated with some of his plays, they always line the fence to thank him after the game - win or lose.

Great Article Curtis, I have to agree that Gould has been a big critic of Soward's over the years. Most of Penrith's tries since 2009 have come from kicks using the Walsh/Coote or any other player combination. Many commentators have stated that their weakness is in their halves' lack of running/passing game. I find it wierd that they now require 'the game's best kicker in soward' who also happens to be weak at taking the line on?...

What doe you mean "not origin material"

Agree with Chris. What did Soward do to become such a punching bag for Dragons fans? He has guided them to a premiership, this alone makes him a great. Take him out now and the Dragons loose their attacking game instantly. The Panthers are building a strike force and Cleary needs a reasonable playmaker like Maloney was at the Warriors. Soward's one of the better playmakers in NRL, not Origin material though. I'm pretty sure he'll shine at the Panthers.

Ive always thought the only ting lacking from sowards game is a bit of toughness, aggresion and Mongrel, If the pantherscan gt that into his game he is as good a any one playing the game.

Wow Oikee, I didn't realise you hated Penrith as much as Manly.

It's really hard to know how age affects players. Jamie Lyon is in his 30s, and playing better now than he was 5 years ago--running just as fast, jumping higher, setting up more tries.

I suspect Gus and/or Ivan feel they can convince Soward to take on the line more. If Soward did that, his natural speed would make him a genuine triple-threat in attack (pass, kick, or run).

I think the Soward for Rangi Chase move is a positive one for the Dragons. Looking at his Super League highlights, it seems like Rangi Chase is great at taking on the line, has developed a sublime cutout pass, and has a good burst of speed. I don't know what his kicking game is like, but it'd certainly inject a spark to the Dragons attack.

Thanks for the two and a half years at the top of the table Sowie - and that Grand Final which other halves could not deliver for Dragons fans for an agonizing 30 years. The Saints would not have been in a position of strength without your speed, skills, intelligence, dedication and monumental kicking game. You were our ace at cleaning up, and converting opportunities to points. Good luck out West mate.

For the right money, he looked stale last year so maybe the change of scenery may bring a change in form. Carney is unlikely to leave the sharks so there isnt much on the market. Kyte is well worth another 2 years and what he brings in terms of teaching younger forwards alone is worth the contract, Manlys pack of newbies are all being tutored by Kyte and there going great guns, bad lose fore manly.

Humble will miss out, coote will slot in at fullback, much better player

Well put Oikee, wasn't that one of the main reasons why Gould took the job, to tackle AFL head on. Now the Wanderers are winning new fans daily ( Soccer is huge in the West and Greater West ) AFL have the cash to make there presence felt while an expanded Super Rugby comp will likely see a Western Sydney team introduced. The Panthers have a huge amount of work to do.

What a disappointment the Penrith Panthers have been. They are the biggest club in Sydney as in juniors and people, (close enough to the biggest) and have had this area all to themselves for a century. Along comes the Wanderers and blow them outta the park. Gould bangs on about local players playing for this club, they have never kept local players in the club. Most move to other clubs. The wanderers bring in a few internationals and Bam, Kapow, they have instant success and have grown the West to heights Gus Gould could only dream about. Here is what i would do, import a American CEO, straight from the NFL. Give them the plan to be the biggest and best club in Australia, and within 2 years the west will be saying, ?Wanderers who.? Fair dinkum. How this area has been left to rot and fizzle out is the reason our code has been living in the dark ages. Even now we have so-called sports commentators who are supposed to be part of our code , bringing the game down. I can tell you this, if the Panthers dont do something now, you will lose a whole generation of supporters. The youth are all out this way. They like what they see at the wanderers, cant blame them, but you can blame rugby league for neglecting this area. Look at the crowds, 8 thousand.

Soward brings a certain stability with him, both on and off the field. His no-nonsense tactical approach keeps heads cool under pressure, and any team's running game depends upon field position, which Soward will provide via his superb kicking game. My feelings are that Soward deserved better from the Dragons, but after Hornby stayed a bit too long, it's understandable that the Dragons want new & younger talent, which brings, should bring, more speed with it. Sowie will be a senior + marquee player @ Penrif, & his input should be enough to get pretty good results.

Youngsters love Jamie. So many kick options. He will be the new king of the kids for western Sydney region. Great marketing ploy by Panthers.

I imagine the Panthers will have a few more key signings to come before next season as well. Will be interesting to see how the team comes together

Soward is a quality player, Panthers fans should be happy. They haven't had a field marshall since Gower. Considering the Dragons halves shortage I'm amazed they let him go. He is the key if they're to make the semi's. Soward has performed in the Origin arena and Grand Final.

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