Premiership-winning St George Illawarra captain Ben Hornby says the NRL club should search high and wide for Jamie Soward’s replacement next season.
The departure of Soward, who signed a four-year deal with Penrith on Wednesday, leaves the No.6 jersey open – while veteran halfback Nathan Fien’s future is also unclear.
Hornby, who led the Dragons to the 2010 title alongside Soward in the halves, said the former NSW playmaker’s exit leaves a gaping hole – particularly his experience – in addition to the retirements of Dean Young and Hornby himself.
And with the club’s reserve halves still very green, Hornby said it would be wise to look at outside options, such as off-contract Cronulla star Todd Carney and Castleford’s former Man of Steel Rangi Chase.
It is understood the Sharks remain firm favourites to secure Carney’s signature, while Chase is reportedly seeking a release and could be back in the NRL this season.
But Hornby says it would be negligent not to at least look.
“Any time the club can get good players, that’s what we’re after,” Hornby said on Thursday.
“I think that’s no different to any other season, to be honest.
“You look out there, find out what the best players are and see what their situation is.
“… We’re a great club. We’ve always been a great club and we’ll continue to be a great club.
“We’ve got plenty to offer.”
Hornby said Soward, who struggled with a back injury throughout last season, still has plenty to offer – but said he expects the much-maligned 28-year-old will be unable to shake his large following of doubters.
“It’s just always been that way ever since I’ve been around Sowie,” Hornby said.
“I’m assuming it will continue to be that way even when he goes to Penrith.
“Whatever it is with Sowie, some people love him – some people don’t.”
The Dragons’ recruitment drive did snare one big name on Thursday, with Canberra’s dynamic back-rower Joel Thompson inking a new three-year deal reportedly worth $1.2 million.
The Country Origin and Indigenous All Stars representative, who is equally at home in the centres, said it was a family-oriented decision but denied the Dragons’ offer was financially superior to that put on the table by Canberra.
“I would like to announce that I’ll be joining the Dragons on a 3 year deal starting 2014,” Thompson posted on Twitter.
“I have based my decision on what I believe is best for my family, which we decided together (on Wednesday) night.
“I want to make it clear that this wasn’t about money, as most of the offers were the same.”
Bazzio
Roar Guru
Widdop is a 'class above the rest' player. He works well in a structured attacking environment by taking the defensive focus infield and away from the backline & fullback. The way he synchronises with Smith & Cronk is beautiful to watch, & this is NOT something that can be "coached" into a player ~ it's a rare talent. Rangi Chase + Gareth Widdop + Mitch Rein = more attacking options than you can poke a stick at
Bazzio
Roar Guru
There are only two "winning culture" nrl clubs ~ Dragons & Rabbits. The rest pick up left over's & scraps
Football_illiterate
Guest
pretty sure prince held it up in 05 oikee..
eagleJack
Guest
Haha sorry MC couldn't resist picking you up on that one :) Agree with your thoughts. I rate Widdop highly but he is certainly one who has flourished under the structures of the Storm. Can he replicate the same at the Dragons without the discipline and calibre of players around him he experienced at the Storm? Big test for the kid.
Meesta Cool
Guest
Eagle eyes. yeah I did blunder there mate, He is showing lots of potential with good coaching and a solid foundation of players around him, I believe he will be a very good player but at this point in time Saints are taking a risk with 4 years on such a big salary.
Renegade
Guest
He can actually create options in attack and a better running game by take on the line....certainly more than just a good kicking game.
mushi
Roar Guru
It's roughly equivalent to 400k under last years cap which seems toppish but not Chris Sandow
eagleJack
Guest
So is Widdop a "work in progress" or a proven player? Can't be both I would assume.
oikee
Guest
Wish the Broncos made a play for him. Anyone see Wallace or Prince holding up the NRL trophy. ???? No, i thought not.
Pete
Guest
In what way will he provide more options that Soward?
Renegade
Guest
Widdop is a very good signing for the dragons and should provide the team a lot more options than soward did. I don't believe he is worth $550k a year at this stage of his career though.....it just shows the really bad position that the dragons are in where they have to pay overs to gain player signatures. Widdop has achieved a premiership so i think the money was too good to knock back otherwise he probably would have stayed with the storm.
Moonshine
Guest
Widdop is worth $600K a year?? Are they serious....
Meesta Cool
Guest
No sour grapes BT, just stating a few facts. buying proven players very rarely creates success, unless of course you are Manchester United. Gioing for Dugan would be a bad thing for any team.. Be careful what you wish for!.
Pete
Guest
I think the Dragons have lost out here, at least in the short term. Soward is proven talent that can lead the team around the park and win matches. Widdop is an untested player who has relied on the best players in the world to lift his game. How will he go without them? Time will tell
Big Time
Guest
Sounds like sour grapes Meesta. Both Dragons purchases have been good. Rangi Chase and Dugan should round it off well. They have purchased young players who will be around for a while, and whom the can base a side around, with the likes of Morris, Merrin, Rein etc. They have some good young players coming through as well. All reads well for the Dragons if you ask me. Upwards and Onwards for the Dragons.
Meesta Cool
Guest
Dragons have replaced Soeard with Gareth Widdop, they have paid a lot of money for a player who is still a 'work in progress' . Looks like tyhe Dragons are gonna buy the world!... Good luck to them and sorry to see Gareth leaving a 'Winning Culture'... Good job we have a coupla young blokes with the same potential to take his place!. .