It’s time to take Jamie Soward seriously. For years it’s seemed there’s nothing he could do to avoid being the laughing stock, the scape goat.
A premiership with St George Illawarra, steering NSW to victory in a State of Origin match.
Nothing was good enough in the eyes of critics who have long taunted him as a pretender.
But if those achievements aren’t genuine enough – it’s hard to poke holes in his match-winning performance on Saturday night against the Sydney Roosters – the club that sacked him all those years ago.
Soward master-minded one of the most memorable finals’ finishes in years to show why underrated rather than overrated is the more accurate description of his playmaking achievements.
The 29-year-old, who has stepped up to the Panthers captaincy in the absence of Peter Wallace, potted a sideline conversion to make it 18-18.
As usual, he did it to a chorus of “w*****” chants from the fans.
Then with seven seconds on the clock, one of the most clinical field goal exponents in NRL history, slotted a one-pointer from 35 metres out to catapult Penrith into the preliminary finals.
It was pure class from Soward.
A clutch play which should earn him some of the respect that’s for so long alluded him.
Soward described it as the most profound personal moment of his career.
“I’d say so,” said Soward.
“It was the most cool head (I’ve had).
“I’m grateful I got the chance.”
Soward has kicked more than 30 field goals in his first-grade career, but this year he has unselfishly used himself as a decoy to allow whiz kid fullback Matt Moylan to be the hero.
But on Saturday night it was his turn.
“Usually Moylan is the Superman. But it’s nice to get one tonight,” he said.
However, Soward said post-match that the conversion was what he was most proud of.
After punching a kick into the corner to set up a second try for Dean Whare, Soward then nailed one from the sideline to square up and ensure Penrith could be composed for the final minutes rather than in a mad rush to score a try.
“It allows you to close out the set rather than throw the footy around,” he said.
Making Soward’s efforts even more meritorious was the fact he was put under huge pressure by Sonny Bill Williams and the Roosters kick-chasers in the first half.
There was a kick out on the full and some poorly executed last-tackle options.
Critics might have summed up those errors as Jamie Soward in a nutshell.
But in Penrith’s biggest match in 10 years, the real Soward stood up to be counted.
Charles NSW
Guest
I have said for many years that Jamie Soward has all the talent available to be one of the best. He has had his problems especially with coach but he was given a fresh start in Penrith. So many were against my comments about his ability so it was good to see him show what he can do. Is he better than Mitchell Pearce? Jamie is the master when you compare these two players!
Albo
Guest
Good summary ! Not sure what the Panthers can do about their five eighth spot ? It is a problem area for them . I was surprised that Will Smith got the nod over the more experienced Tom Humble in the first place, but they had very few options once Wallace, Isaac John & Peachy were gone for the season. Perhaps looking to the future ? I think they probably have to stick with him now, and perhaps the return of the stronger & quicker Docker as his shotgun , will help him out against the traffic obviously planned to be directed at him next game.
oli
Guest
His performance in the last 2 minutes are enough to say that he played outstanding, his duty was to kick that thing and he did it brilliantly.
Tricky Ricky
Guest
When Soward kicked the field goal last night I pictured Doust and now unemployed ex-Dragons coach no chin Price crying into their beers watching the game unfold on TV.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Penrith forwards really stood up; McKendry probably played his best game of the season, maybe knowing that putting a big stamp on Moa and JWH should see him back in the Kiwis side for the 4 nations gave him some motivation..
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Pearce might have done some good running work, but tactical kicking is where the Roosters fell over last night and that means the halves let the team down. Soward alone kicked better than Pearce and Maloney combined.
Manly Man
Guest
I hated soward in 2010 the way he played the things he said. Gf after the win. "I had a job to do and I did it" after the game last night soward showed his maturity, it wasn't about him it was about the team about the fans and I really liked that from him. Great game! If I ever see soward ill be shaking his hand instead of throwing stones like I would of years ago. Soward is trice the player pearce is.
MAX
Guest
Does this mean Trent Robinson's pay rise is now in jeopardy? What was Minni thinking? Why did the Roosters get sucked in to allowing Penrith to dictate play? Team work? Too many hyphens. Not enough dash. Congratulations to Jamie and to Ivan for just doing it simple and succeeding. Lesson to all. Without Jake and Frank the Roosters may not crow again this season, though the Cowboys have difficulty in going the full 80 minutes and that maybe is their only chance.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
This is what finals are all about - cheering for the underdog and watching them pull off a remarkable win against the odds. Full marks to Jamie Soward for keeping cool under pressure. Slotting that goal to tie the scores with 2 minutes to go was unbelievable. Fantastic achievement by Penrith to make the preliminary final given the injuries they've had and hats off to those responsible for recruiting Jamie Soward, Peter Wallace, Brent Kite and a host of others. Young Moylan is a future star and shows maturity beyond his years. Ivan Cleary also has to be given credit for what he has achieved this season. Just goes to show once again that a champion team can beat a team of champions. Penrith aren't full of razzle dazzle champions but they all know what they need to do to get a win. The result has really thrown up all sorts of permutations with Penrith now a good chance to make the GF - something which would have been unthinkable at the start of the season - and the Roosters having to beat the Bunnies to make it as well.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Ben, Yes he kicked the winning field goal which is clearly a big deal but for 95% of the match he was "only ordinary" in my view. Mitch Pearce spanked his backside. The upside for the Panthers is that Soward can play better and the normally exciting and dangerous Zegyaro became a tackling machine (43) and offered little offensively. The Roosters obviously had set out to tire him. Matt Moylan is now an origin class player. Young Will Smith will 4 missed tackles in the first half is a massive liability. he is just not ready for this level and it will be interesting to see if they stick with him.
wang gochu
Guest
Im not a fan of either team but I found myself cheering for the Panthers for that one. It's great to see the underdogs get up in such a tight finish.
The Hurricane
Guest
is he playing half full time now?
The Barry
Guest
Didn't think it was his best game until those amazing clutch plays at the end. I can't begin to imagine the pressure of lining up a sideline conversion, down by two, with a minute left, in a semi final. Brilliant.