It’s rare that the signing of two State of Origin halves would raise questioning eyebrows, but Penrith’s recruitment of Jamie Soward and Peter Wallace to steer them around this NRL season has been met with some trepidation.
And not only because both players struggled with their respective former clubs, St George Illawarra and Brisbane, last year.
The Panthers made no secret of the fact they were in the market for a marquee playmaker, but lost out in their bids to lure a Todd Carney, Johnathan Thurston or Shaun Johnson to Sydney’s west.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary says the questions over whether 29-year-old Soward and 28-year-old Wallace are still capable of leading a team to the finals make him even more confident he’s found the right partnership for his blossoming young side.
“Both guys are in a position where they have a point to prove, which is always a good thing to have,” Cleary said.
“First and foremost they’ve both been there and done that.
“They’re both leaders in their own right and know how to get a team around.”
Cleary’s requests of Soward and Wallace are simple.
He wants the kicking game to improve on last year and he wants them to make the men outside them look better.
Soward in particular will like his chances of finishing the season with a pass mark.
His left-boot is considered one of the best in the game, and when at his best at the Dragons, Soward was able to work behind a dominant forward pack and release the attacking weaponry outside him.
The Panthers have added dynamic ex-Warrior Elijah Taylor and experienced Manly prop Brent Kite to an already promising pack, and big Jamal Idris to a backline overflowing with speed and try-scoring ability.
Cleary said Soward can do the rest.
“The way I see it, Jamie had three very, very good years at the Dragons. Very consistent. He knows how to play, he knows what to do,” he said.
“The real key is how they (Soward and Wallace) can make other people look better and I think both of those guys have those qualities in spades.
“What they can do for some of our young outside backs in particular is even more crucial than what they actually do themselves.”
There seems to be a consensus in rugby league that the Panthers can be a premiership threat in three years time.
But what are they capable of in 2014?
After exceeding expectations last season by finishing 10th, Cleary won’t give too much away about his goals – other than to say he wants his team to improve.
Which reading between the lines, means a return to the top eight for the first time since 2010.
Cleary says in the pressure moments against the big sides last season, his team couldn’t stand up in defence.
But he believes by recruiting experienced campaigners he can instill the necessary self-belief in his defensive line.
“It was obvious in the pre-season what those guys can bring in terms of confidence and education,” Cleary said.
“Pressure is the big difference in all top level sport.
“When the pressure is on this year I’m very confident we’ll be able to handle it.”
Charles NSW
Guest
Sad to see so many put a player down, especially with the constant bagging from Devout Saint! Over the years Soward has proved his capability, although he has not been consistent fair enough However he has another chance to prove himself. At least give him that opportunity without putting the pressure of bagging him before hand.
Muzz
Guest
Soward rolled his ankle at training tonight and could miss round 1. Whether it's training, trail games, 9s or season proper it's part and parcel of the game.
NQ Cowboy
Guest
It's a tough choice to decide between Soward and Sandow for the most over-paid, over-rated half in the west.
NQ Cowboy
Guest
At least the Panthers will save on their laundry bill. Soward's jersey will still be clean at the end of the season. He hasn't been tackled since Bennett left the Saints. I imagine that they'll start him in the 1st round to justify over-paying him. He'll be dropped by the 2nd round and the halves will be Wallace and John for the rest of the season. Soward was a panic buy after they missed out on JT. If they knew then that they'd get Wallace, they never would've signed Soward.
The eye
Guest
His assignment will be to just send the ball wide to men mountains Idris and Mansour and if that fails get repeat sets..nothing else don't want him to run or take the line on...oh,and have Docker or Plum stand next to him in defence..give him a month,he fails,John comes back..big challenge for Cleary and his skill coaches hope they do it.
Muzz
Guest
Behave yourself muzz : )
muzz
Guest
yup yup yup
muzz
Guest
yup
muzz
Guest
agree. Wallace is solid. Soward is "the worlds fastest man" according to bee-sting-head. Trouble is its never with the ball and pretty sure he'd run to his own try line in world record time if a big bloke was chasing him
muzz
Guest
thats a big surprise! Didnt get tackled (or run) the whole of 2013. No wonder he had no respect from fellow players
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
He was amazing when he ran first, passed second. His running game hasn't been seen since Bennett got hold of him.
Devout Saint
Guest
Soward does not make those outside him look good. Soward will not commit defenders before setting up his runners. He is afraid of getting tackled. Soward is the reason that Gasnier never got back to his best. Take away his kicking game and he doesn't have much else to offer. No grubbers in goal either. And he is also a liability in defence.
Devout Saint
Guest
They will not be an outstanding combination. They will be a total flop. I predict Soward to be gone by mid next season.
Devout Saint
Guest
He didn't want to get tackled. did he? lol
NQ Cowboy
Guest
Wallace is an excellent acquisition for the panthers. He'll provide structure in attack, direct the team around the park, provide a quality kicking game on each possession and tackle his guts all day. Soward on the other hand will do the exact opposite.
Charles NSW
Guest
These two players are able to mix it with the best of them when on their game! They could be outstanding combination if they get their act together
Pot Stirrer
Guest
The way he played in the nines would be a concern for me if i was a panthers supporter
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Don't tell jamie soward he has a point to prove!! You'll get jamie soward upset