When Jamie Soward first signed with Penrith, as a Dragons supporter, I was saddened. Firstly, because the Dragons were losing yet another important piece of their 2010 premiership puzzle.
Secondly, because I was salivating at the prospect of having Gareth Widdop as Soward’s halves partner.
When it was confirmed that Soward would be leaving the Dragons – a club at which he spent six and a half seasons – I had hoped that Soward would want to end his time as a Dragon on a happy note.
Perhaps he would start running the ball again for the club that gave his career CPR when it was on life support at the Roosters. Maybe lead us to one last finals series and win us a few more games off the back of his left boot.
But alas, it was not to be. In the weeks following his signing with Penrith, Soward played like he didn’t care anymore. This earned him a one way ticket to the Illawarra Cutters, courtesy of Steve Price.
With reports surfacing in the last few days that he wants to finish this season in England, it seems we may have seen the last of Jamie Soward in the mighty Red V.
With that in mind, I think it’s appropriate to pay tribute to Soward for all that he’s given to the Dragons – while he hasn’t given much in the last two years, he gave the Dragons a hell of a lot in the four preceding years.
So without further ado, these are (in my opinion) Soward’s top five moments/games as a Dragon.
Number five – debut
What a debut it was for Soward. It was round 12 of the 2007 season. The Dragons, having just come off a 30-6 loss to the Raiders, were up against a red hot Broncos side who had hammered Newcastle 71-6 the week before.
No one gave the Dragons a chance, but off the back of Soward’s impressive general play kicking, and a match sealing field goal, the Dragons won 11-4 on a cold Friday night at Kogarah.
Number four – Dragons thrash the Raiders 58-16
No, there’s nothing wrong with your eyes. It’s not a typo either. But it was six years ago and it was in Wollongong, so hopefully that makes this result a tad more believable.
In a game where the Dragons ran in 10 tries to the Raiders 3, Soward scored one and kicked 9/10 conversions to rack up a personal tally of 22 points.
Number three – 2010 grand final
The fact that a grand final victory only ranks at number three in Soward’s top five moments as a Dragon speaks volumes of his contribution to the side over the years.
Compared to Churchill medalist Darius Boyd and two-try hero Jason Nightingale, Soward had a relatively quiet game, although he did set up the opening try with a beautiful cross field kick to Mark Gasnier.
He also kicked 6/7.
Number two – ANZAC Day 2009
What’s the one thing more satisfying than scoring two tries, kicking 6/6 goals, kicking one field goal, and winning man of the match?
Doing all of that against your old club, and that’s exactly what Soward did. In what was a simply superb individual display, Soward ripped the Roosters apart and showed them exactly what they lost when they let him go to the Dragons.
Number one – grand final qualifier 2010 versus Wests Tigers
Perhaps the defining moment of Jamie Soward’s career was when he kicked that field goal to send the Dragons through to their first grand final in 11 years.
In front of 80,000 people at ANZ stadium, Soward, from 35 meters out sent the ball flying between the sticks and the entire Red V army erupted.
Soward might not have been the Dragons’ grand final hero. But the Dragons wouldn’t have even made the grand final if it wasn’t for him.
All champion players go through highs and lows. The true mark of a champion is how you respond to those lows, and get back to the highs.
There’s still half a season left. Soward may be playing reserve grade, but it’s not too late for him to end his Dragons career on a high note.
Devout Saint
Guest
I was meant about getting hammered by an opposition defender. We all know that Soward Puss is one of the worst defenders to ever play first grade. Soward Puss would rather make a so called poor defensive read (on purpose) than get left to make a one on one tackle himself.
Bazzio
Roar Guru
b/s d/s ~ it's all so easy, isn't it?? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nnrnax9ppOs
Daniel Szabo
Roar Guru
To be fair to Soward, Price is partly to blame for his demise. Since he took over from Bennett he has drastically changed the way in which Soward is used. The Dragons' game plan doesn't play to Soward's strengths anymore. Soward used to stand 15m behind the ruck and kick the Dragons to victory. Price has instructed him to kick from much closer to the ruck, and as a result his kicking game has suffered. Still, it's not Price's fault that Soward refuses to take the line on, despite him having a lethal running game on the rare occasion he chooses to use it.
JSB
Guest
It may of been a great moment, but was still over 2 years ago... Just wish he played like he use to, but I guess when you have Doust, Price, Team and lack confidence to blame for poor form it can be pretty hard! Did I miss any other excuse that's been used by bias fans?
Devout Saint
Guest
How many times can you remember Soward getting hammered? He makes very sure of not getting hit no alone hammered.
Devout Saint
Guest
the game against Parra in 2011 that you are talking about was definitely the best game that Soward ever played in first grade. If he played like that every week then he would be a great player, but he doesn't because he is a PEAHEART. Soward will not do many things because he is too afraid to take a hit or get tackled. He avoids physical contact as much as possible. After the game against Parra that we are talking about Gasnier was interviewed on the ground after the game. The interviewer asked Gaz if he thought Soward should be picked for origin. I expected Gaz to be pushing Sowards case for NSW, being his team mate. It surprised me what Gaz said, he was very diplomatic, but did say that Soward had to learn to create more room for his runners or something along those lines. Soward was the reason that Gaz never got back to his best. Gaz was a shadow of the player he was when Barrett was our 5/8. No player has looked good playing outside Soward.
Clifford
Guest
I'm a Saint's fan since 1985 and have watched Soward when he first played 4 Saints (I think in 2007). Was really proud of him . But I will now feel how a fan had expreesed in a banner that I saw a Dragon fan's banner in 1 Dragons game after he signed with Panthers. It read like this 'Won't be sweet without Soward any more.' But will still cherish Soward's momenst with the red v.
Matt
Guest
Here's a few more people getting owned by GI. Almost more fun to watch people go flying then the actual tries. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELBWqh-G_Fw
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
I was disappointed. I couldn't find another Greg Inglis special on Soward where he sent Soward flying with a stiff arm while going for the corner.
Matt
Guest
It's funny that after all the games they play, they often get remembered for the one or two times they got hammered/knocked out etc, opposed to the good things they did!
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
I couldn't help but take the piss.
Matt
Guest
Haha :) He's had a few classics, pretty common for the little guys to get bopped around. Aus vs Nz, Yow Yeh vs Marshall, that's a good one.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
My a couple of my favorite Jamie Soward moments http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zP5suqY00OM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr6pIsWFl-A And this guys sums up fans of other teams opinion on his kicking style... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcG29-9OGO4
Bazzio
Roar Guru
Jamie got the Red V tattoo on his bicep after the 2010 GF. It's no secret that he wanted to only play for the Dragons, but it seems to me that he took it for granted because he was the only 5/8th at the club, that he didn't need to put in 100%+ effort every week after 2010. However the greatest players will drop themselves to lower grades when they know they aren't performing. That said, he was pretty much indispensable as a Dragons player. Until his heart got ripped out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1eNSJKJwMU
Daniel Szabo
Roar Guru
The most recent moment I was thinking of was the game before the Origin 1 team was selected in 2011. The Dragons played Parramatta, and Soward ripped them appart. After that performance everyone knew he would be the Blues' five eighth. I just didn't think that ranked above any of the 5 moments i mentioned in the article. Still a great moment though
Matt
Guest
It's a bit early to draw conclusions on them. Most of them are also young, they haven't won a grand final with the club. They weren't overly wanted in the first place, so it's not that big of a change.
The eye
Guest
Go tell that to the Parra 12,the only thing different is they're all manning up(except Reni who should start wearing headgear,too).
Matt
Guest
Exactly. It's very personal. You're not just one of hundreds or thousands of employees getting laid off, you're being told face to face you're not good enough, and not wanted any further. It's going to be hard for anyone to put in 100% when they know the club doesn't care for them anyway.
Chris Wright
Guest
This is a brilliant piece. Thank you. What a lot of fans do not know is how much Jamie loves the Dragons. He was shattered when not offered a new contract. He struggled with it and whilst better men would have handled it differently Jamie has let all of this get the better of him. As a Dragons fan I wish him good luck, but not too much good luck when we play the Panthers.
JSB
Guest
It's a shame you can't get one moment from the last 3 years. And the 'hopefuls' wonder why us 'realists' are glad to see him go. I have no illusions of a comeback at Penrith, fans that do will figure out sooner or later that consistency makes a great player and Soward definitely isn't that!