Jamie Soward’s ability to see out his final NRL season at St George Illawarra is in big doubt after the former NSW State of Origin five-eighth was dumped from first grade on Tuesday.
Soward was given time off by coach Steve Price to clear his head on Monday, before Price excluded him from the 17 named for Saturday’s NRL match against Newcastle.
Instead, Soward will play for NSW Cup team the Illawarra Cutters.
It is two years since Soward made his State of Origin debut for NSW, after he spearheaded the Dragons to a drought-breaking premiership in 2010.
In his No.6 jersey, the Dragons have named centre Chase Stanley.
Soward will join Penrith next season on a four-year deal, but the Panthers on Monday indicated they would not be interested in seeking an early release for the playmaker.
The Dragons also welcome back prop Dan Hunt, who missed last round’s 16-14 loss to Canterbury with a knee injury.
“Nathan Green has been playing well for the Illawarra Cutters and gets his chance in the centres while Chase Stanley moves to five-eighth, replacing Jamie Soward who will play for the Cutters,” Price said in a statement.
“Hopefully Brett Morris and Trent Merrin will come through the State of Origin game unscathed for NSW so they can take their places on Saturday night against a tough and talented Newcastle team.”
There was one notable absentee but Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin largely kept the faith with his shattered side in the wake of their 56-18 record NRL loss to the Warriors.
Griffin has not named veteran centre Justin Hodges for Monday night’s clash in Canberra but included the rest of his Queensland State of Origin contingent – captain Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker and Matt Gillett.
Instead of wielding the axe, Griffin added his Origin stars and Nick Slyney to the same 17 that lost 10 tries to three on Monday night.
Canberra cleared Jarrod Croker (hamstring), named Origin stars Blake Ferguson, David Shillington and Josh Papalii but will sweat on Glen Buttriss (calf) and Joel Edwards (hamstring).
At the Bulldogs, Krisnan Inu will return against North Queensland in Townsville on Saturday night after serving a two-game ban for his scorpion tackle on Newcastle’s James McManus.
But coach Des Hasler opted not to name Josh Morris and Josh Reynolds, saying he will assess his NSW stars after Wednesday night’s Origin opener.
Cowboys coach Neil Henry is keeping his fingers crossed that stars Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott, James Tamou and Brent Tate back up from Origin I as they look to turn around their season.
Cronulla’s NSW contingent of Paul Gallen, Luke Lewis and Andrew Fifita were named in an extended squad featuring recalled Michael Gordon (calf) at fullback for Sunday night’s clash in Melbourne.
And Manly confirmed Brett Stewart (back) would not run out against the Warriors in Auckland on Sunday, further delaying his NSW Origin plans.
A Brookvale Oval clash with Canterbury in round 14 looms as his final chance to impress Blues selectors ahead of Origin II.
Charles NSW
Guest
I am really disappointed to see what has happen to Soward. This is a player that showed so much potential to be one of the greats. However something is wrong and I hope for his sake that he can work it out as I love to see him progress. In his last game on TV you can see something was wrong and it was not until the last 15 minutes before he started to show what he could do. I have said from the start that he should be the 1/2 back with Chase Stanley at 5/8. Nathan Fien is doing ok but he is past being a 1/2 back for what is required.
oikee
Guest
He is playing angry and is a passenger. They cant let him go because he might come back to haunt them.
Meesta Cool
Guest
I am still amazed that The Dragons have discouraged their only playmaker and now 'dropped him, then signed Gareth Widdop at a exaggerated salary to replace him.. Gimme Soward's ability to win a game off his own boot any day. Gareth has potential but I don't believe that he is a 'matchwinner'.. I may be wrong.
Clark
Guest
It's funny how far Soward has fallen since Bennett had left. It never should have got to the point where he has signed for Penrith. Jamie is the key play maker and.is brilliant when he is on. As a confidence player, the worst thing for him following the bulldogs game was to drop him. The other thing is why would you replace him when your replacement halves combination isn't even half as good. The Dragons have struggled ever since Hornby retired and Fein has been playing halfback. I mean he's not a bad player, he's just not a number seven.