New Penrith halves duo Jamie Soward and Peter Wallace are adamant they have nothing to prove in the NRL despite leaving their previous teams under acrimonious circumstances.
Soward left St George Illawarra, the club he won the 2010 premiership with, mid-season last year while Wallace finished up with Brisbane after the worst year in the club’s history.
Both players form part of an impressive off-season recruiting effort from Panthers supremo Phil Gould that also includes Jamal Idris, Brent Kite, Tyrone Peachey and Elijah Taylor and offers promise of an exciting dawn at the club.
The new look Penrith halves duo fronted the media together on Monday at Panthers training and Soward insisted he and Wallace have left the past behind.
“Me and the bloke next to me have nothing to prove because of the way we finished our time at other clubs,” Soward said.
“I think I speak for Wal when I say we are not going to speak about the Dragons and the Broncos all year.
“We are here to talk about the Panthers. We both have good contracts here and we are both experienced enough to handle (the pressure that comes with) that.
“We have recruited really well but come round one it won’t mean much if we don’t put it together on the field.
“It’s an exciting time for Penrith and an exciting time to be a Penrith fan … it’s a matter of us putting it together now.”
Wallace returns to the club he played 20 games for between 2005 and 2007 before heading to the Broncos for six seasons and said “it’s good to be home”.
“It’s good to be back … it’s been a while. There is a good vibe around the place and we are all pretty tight,” he said.
“It’s maybe not a second chance but a fresh start. You probably get a little stale staying at the one place a little long and it’s probably a good time for me to move on.
“It’s a new team and a new environment. It’s great to have this opportunity and to hopefully finish my career here.”
Gus Paella
Guest
I'm with you but Soward becomes very important as the expectations rise in Penriff. You know what you will get from Wallace, a solid first grader but will Soward produce his 2010 or 2013 form?
Ed Norton
Guest
Wallace statistically is a better defender than most halfs. Hell, he's basically a lock playing halfback.
Muzz
Guest
I like Wallace....The Panthers have a pretty handy roster and a capable coach.I think the Panthers could finish mid-table but a lot does depend on how Soward performs.
The eye
Guest
Disagree.Very good pack of forwards,mix of experience with Kite,Kevvie K. Tim G,couple of fearsome hitters in Docker and Plum,danger runners Segreyaro,Peachey and Sika.Couple that with size and speed in the backs,Mansour,Roberts Jamaal,Whare..really doubt equal leading try scorer of last year will make the team.I'm prepared to let their football do the speaking for them and give them another go in a very decent team.
Silver_Sovereign
Guest
Its going to be a long season for Panthers fans with fat Jamal, cant tackle or kick Wallace, and poor little Jamie
Charles NSW
Guest
Whatever the reason Jamie has not produced the form that he is capable of doing. H
Charles NSW
Guest
Whatever the reason Jamie has not produced the form that he is capable of producing. Sometimes another club may be the answer.
Evander
Guest
They are going to get very sick of big forwards running at them all game.
manlyman101
Guest
Soward the coward take the two that's all you can do. Even dragons fans hated this guy the whole time. After the gf he said. 'I had a job to do and I did it' Orford after the 08 gf. 'This is the best feeling in the world I love all the boys'
Nemo ohh ha ha
Guest
Jamie. You have everything to prove. You got sacked from your last club and had nothing but floggings leading London around in the ESL. He's a grumpy little thing
Dave
Guest
Soward with nothing to prove....he's kidding himself. From State of Origin to park football, then to the UK where he was despised. Blind freddy can see that your comment is a mask for excatly the opposite. You have it all to prove. You are coming from has been and broken down hack status to receiving an opportunity under excellent football brains.........if you keep kidding yourself, you'll be doing mad Moinday celebrations with the NSW cup team. Thats if you can prove yourself there.
@nrl_sc_addicts
Guest
Wallace gave his everything for the Broncos but he just wasn't that good for us unfortunately - hopefully he can rekindle his form @ the Panthers. #nrlscaddicts