Jamie Soward says he has put his time at St George Illawarra, good and bad, behind him as he sets about once again proving himself as an NRL footballer with Penrith next year.
A 2010 premiership-winner with the Dragons, but a lightning rod of criticism for the club’s lacklustre performances since 2011, Soward was unceremoniously cast aside by the joint venture this year as they struggled to one of their worst seasons.
He then spent a short stint in the Super League with London Broncos before joining the Panthers for pre-season training last week.
The enigmatic playmaker said the time away gave him the opportunity to clear his head, reassess and return to the NRL with a clean slate.
“I got away and had some time to reflect and realised I was trying to prove things to the wrong people, I just need to prove that I can still do it (play good football) to myself,” Soward said on Thursday.
“I just needed to get back into a comfortable environment where I am now and working with people who I want to work with to get the best out of me. I know that is when I play my best football.
“Now I’m at the Panthers I’m not going to stand around and talk about the Dragons for the next four years. I want to get that out of the way now and concentrate on playing my best football here.”
Some eyebrows were raised when the Panthers signed the former State of Origin five-eighth to a four-year deal starting in 2014, Soward saying it was now up to him to make the most of the opportunity Penrith coach Ivan Cleary and football boss Phil Gould have given him.
“I’m loving it at Penrith and I’m grateful for the chance,” Soward said.
“Gus (Gould) and Ivan have played a big role in getting me here and I’m keen to repay that faith in me. It’s not about me doing everything it’s about me doing what I can to help the team.”
Soward is one of a host of significant signings for the Panthers ahead of next season, including Tyrone Peachey, Brent Kite, Elijah Taylor and Peter Wallace in a squad the 29-year-old goalkicking pivot said is capable of making the finals.
Albo
Guest
Unfortunately for the Panthers, they have never been able to snare themselves a decent playmaker to run the show on the park since Alexander retired in the 90's. And 2013 looks like being just like every other year since ( still don't know how they won the comp in 2003 ?). Looks like the usual Panther's offering of a stong pack of forwards, a decent coach, but a team with no brains , no vision , no playmaker , no speed, and Phil Gould still claiming to be revitalising the joint ?
The eye
Guest
Strong pack of forwards,excellent coach,winning u/20's side all the ingredients of top 6..hope they go well,and Jamie gets his reputation back.
Cleveland Steamer
Guest
The cat in the hat, once wore red and white, will now wear black
maximillian
Guest
The Panthers now have some depth in the halves with Soward/John/Wallace so it will be interesting to see what combination they go with. They have the makings of a solid spine as well as a good coach so they will make the 8 next year IMO.
Ozziejoebujjere
Guest
As a lifelong Panther fan I genuinely hope that Soward makes a fist of this chance. My issue is that Walsh was heavily criticised for missing tackles, ball playing well before the line and not making self-sacrificial plays. These are pretty much the exact same game flaws Soward had at the Dragons. Time will tell.