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Jamie Soward
Personal information
Born (1984-11-13) 13 November 1984 (age 39)
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Playing information
Height176 cm (5 ft 9 in)
Weight90 kg (14 st 2 lb)
PositionFive-eighth, Halfback
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2005–07 Sydney Roosters 22 6 1 0 26
2007–13 St George Illawarra 141 39 401 26 984
2013 London Broncos 9 5 24 1 69
2014–16 Penrith Panthers 53 8 116 1 265
2016 London Broncos 7 3 29 1 71
Total 232 61 571 29 1415
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2008 Aboriginal 1 1 5 0 14
2009–11 NSW Country 2 0 1 0 2
2010–15 Indigenous Allstars 3 1 0 0 4
2011 New South Wales 3 0 9 0 18
Coaching information
Representative
Years Team Gms W D L W%
2023– Samoa Women
Source: [1][2]

Jamie Soward (born 13 November 1984) is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer. A New South Wales State of Origin and Indigenous All-Stars representative five-eighth, he previously played for the Sydney Roosters, Penrith Panthers and the St. George Illawarra Dragons, with whom he won the 2010 NRL Premiership. He also spent time in England where he played in two different spells for the London Broncos, playing in the Super League and the Kingstone Press Championship.

Early years

Born in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Soward played his junior rugby league for the Wagga Wagga Kangaroos before Soward began his career in the Canberra Raiders system. He then moved to play with the Sydney Roosters Jersey Flegg side where he helped the club win the 2004 premiership with two last-ditch field goals.[3]

Playing career

2005

In round 9 of the 2005 NRL season, Soward made his NRL début for the Sydney Roosters at halfback against the Newcastle Knights in the Roosters 32–2 win at the SFS.[4] Six days before his debut, Soward’s father Peter Soward had died from a heart attack.[5] In round 17, against the Newcastle Knights at Hunter Stadium, Soward scored his first NRL career try in the Roosters 28–14 win.[6] Soward played in 7 matches, and scored 2 tries, in his début year for the Roosters.

2006

Soward finished the 2006 NRL season with him playing in 14 matches, scoring 4 tries and kicking a goal for the Sydney Roosters.

Soward played in the 2006 NSW Cup grand final for Newtown who were the Sydney Roosters feeder club at the time against Parramatta. Newtown would lose the grand final 20-19 at Stadium Australia.[7]

Soward playing for the Dragons in 2008

2007

Half-way into the 2007 season, he was given an immediate release from the Roosters to join the St George Illawarra Dragons after being in and out of first grade and the NSWRL Premier League in his years with the Roosters.[8][9] Soward played one match for the Roosters in the 2007 NRL season, in round 11 against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Remondis Stadium in the Roosters 13–12 win.[10]

One week after he was released from the Sydney Roosters, Soward made his club début for the St George Illawarra Dragons in round 12, playing against the Brisbane Broncos at Oki Jubilee Stadium. Soward kicked a goal and a field goal in the understrength Dragons team's 11–4 win against a full strength Broncos team.[11][12] In round 14, against the Parramatta Eels at Parramatta Stadium, Soward scored his first club try for the Dragons as well kicking 2 goals in the 20–12 loss.[13] In round 17, Soward set a new record for most points by an individual in a game for the Dragons with 22 points from a try and 9 goals, achieved when they defeated the Canberra Raiders 58–16 at WIN Stadium.[14] Soward played in 14 matches, scored 7 tries, kicked 38 goals and kicked a field goal in his first year as a Dragons player, after making a successful move from the Roosters midseason.

2008

On 16 May 2008, Soward extended his contract with the Dragons until the end of the 2010 season.

Soward finished the 2008 NRL season with him playing in 19 matches, scoring 5 tries, kicking 54 goals and a field goal for the Dragons.[15]

Soward warming up for the Indigenous All Stars in 2008
Soward playing for the Indigenous All Stars in 2008

Soward played at five-eighth in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup opener match for the Indigenous Dreamtime team against the New Zealand Māori rugby league team, Soward scored a try and kicked 5 goals in the Dreamtime sides 34–26 win at the SFS.[16]

2009

In round 7, during the annual Anzac day match, the Dragons defeated Soward's previous club the Sydney Roosters 29–0 in which he scored 21 points.[17] In round 12, Soward became the first player to pass 200 points for the 2009 season when he scored 14 points against the Penrith Panthers in the Dragons 38–10 win at Jubilee Oval.[18] While originally not selected, Soward played for Country in the City vs Country match on 8 May 2009, due to injury to Ben Hornby. Soward came off the interchange bench in Country’s 40–18 loss to City at Wade Park in Orange.[19][20] Soward finished the 2009 season with the second most Dally M votes and was named the Dally M five-eighth of the year.[21] He had played in 26 matches, scored 12 tries, kicked 90 goals and 6 field goals for the Dragons in 2009.

2010

On 13 February 2010, Soward was selected for the inaugural Indigenous All Stars team against the NRL All Stars at Cbus Super Stadium. Soward played off the interchange bench and scored the winning try in the Indigenous side's 16–12 win.[22] On 8 March 2010, Soward re-signed with the Dragons until the end of the 2013 season.[23] In the Dragons ANZAC Day clash against the Sydney Roosters in round 7 at the SFS, Soward surpassed Mark Riddell as St George Illawarra's all-time top point scorer with 522 points.[24] In round 22, against the Sydney Roosters at the SCG, Soward played his 100th NRL career match in the Dragons 19–12 win.[25] In the Preliminary Final, against the Wests Tigers at the SFS, Soward slotted a field goal from 35 metres out to win the game 13–12 to send the Dragons to the 2010 NRL Grand Final against the Sydney Roosters. This was the St George Illawarra Dragons first Grand Final since 1999.[26] On 3 October 2010, Soward was a part of the St George Illawarra Dragons first Premiership as a joint venture, with the club defeating his old club the Sydney Roosters 32–8 in the Grand Final. Soward set up the first try of the game for Mark Gasnier with a precision kick into the in-goal and his goal kicking also proved a major factor in the result as he slotted 6 from 7, including two memorable shots from the touchline into driving rain.[27] Soward played 26 matches, scored 6 tries, kicked 84 goals and kicked 5 field goals in a very successful year for Soward and the Dragons in the 2010 NRL season.

2011

On 13 January 2011, Soward was named in the "Blues in waiting" squad. A three-day camp at Homebush from 21–23 January was coordinated by coach Ricky Stuart for players who he believed had potential to feature in future New South Wales Origin teams.[28] On 13 February 2011, Soward was chosen to play for the Indigenous All Stars from the interchange bench in the Indigenous side 28–12 loss to the NRL All Stars team at Cbus Super Stadium.[29] On 28 February 2011, Soward played in the 2011 World Club Challenge against 2010's Super League XV champions the Wigan Warriors, helping his side to a 21–15 victory with two goals and a field goal.[30] Soward was selected at five-eighth for the Country team against the City team in the Country’s 18–12 win at Lavington Sports Ground in Albury.[31] On 15 May 2011, Soward was selected to represent the New South Wales Blues as a five-eighth against the Queensland Maroons in game one of the 2011 State of Origin series, at Suncorp Stadium. Although the Blues lost narrowly 16–12, Soward played an exceptional game, kicking two goals.[32] In game two at ANZ Stadium, Soward had another exceptional kicking game, and also set up the match sealing try to win the match for the Blues 18–8,[33] the Blues lost game three 24–34 at Suncorp Stadium.[34] In round 20, against the Canberra Raiders at Canberra Stadium, Soward played in his 100th NRL career match for the Dragons in their 19-24 loss.[35] Soward played in 23 matches, scored 4 tries, kicked 68 goals and 5 field goals during the 2011 NRL season.

2012

Soward played in 20 matches, scored 2 tries, kicked 43 goals and kicked 3 field goals for the Dragons in the 2012 NRL season. In round 26, against the Parramatta Eels at ANZ Stadium, Soward played his 150th career match in the Dragons 29–8 win.[36]

2013

In 2013, Soward's form declined. The Dragons started losing matches and he was blamed partially for it. On 17 April he signed a 4-year contract with the Penrith Panthers for $1.5 million Australian Dollars.[37][38] In round 13 he got dropped to NSW Cup. Two weeks later, on 17 June 2013, Soward, after being denied a release to join the Panthers by the Dragons, signed with the London Broncos in the Super League for the rest of the 2013 season after a falling out with Dragons coach Steve Price.[39] Soward played in 12 matches, scored 3 tries, kicked 21 goals and 4 field goals in his final year with a 7-year stint for the Dragons in the 2013 NRL season before moving to the London Broncos.[38]

Soward playing for the London Broncos in 2013

In London, Soward scored 67 points in only 9 games, as well as helping the team to the Challenge Cup semi-finals, where they lost 0–70 to Wigan.[40] Soward had scored a try, a goal and a drop-goal in their 29–10 quarter-final win over Sheffield.[41]

2014

In February 2014, Soward was selected in the Panthers inaugural 2014 Auckland Nines squad.[42] In round 1 against the Newcastle Knights at Penrith Stadium, Soward made his club début for the Panthers, kicking a goal for the Panthers in the 30–8 win.[43] In round 9, against the Newcastle Knights at Hunter Stadium, Soward scored his first try for the Panthers in a 32–10 victory.[44] In the Panthers Finals Week 1 match against the minor premiers, the Sydney Roosters at the Sydney Football Stadium, Soward kicked the game-winning field goal in the last minute of play in the Panthers 19–18 victory over the Roosters.[45] Soward capped off a brilliant season in his first year with Panthers with him playing in 25 matches, scoring 7 tries, kicking 63 goals and a field goal.

Off the field in 2014, Soward began a feud with former NRL player Beau Ryan after Ryan mocked Soward on The Footy Show. Soward was reportedly angry that Ryan had made fun of his voice and the way that he talked as the player has a lisp. Ryan came out to the media and said “It's all light-hearted stuff and I didn’t mean to hurt anyone, and if I have hurt anyone I'll stop it".[46]

2015

Following round 2 against the Gold Coast Titans in the Panthers 40-0 win at Bathurst, Soward had back surgery and missed a month and a half.[47] When Soward returned in round 9, against the Brisbane Broncos in the Panthers 8-5 loss at Penrith Stadium,[48] he was inconsistent at best and, coupled with a spate of injuries, he and the Panthers struggled throughout the season. The Penrith Panthers finished off a brutal 2015 NRL season just two points shy of a wooden spoon. Soward finished the season playing in 16 matches and kicking 22 goals. On 10 October 2015, rumours were floating around about Soward was set be released from the Panthers but these were dismissed by Soward.[49] In early December, Soward gave himself a 12-month ultimatum: vowing to walk away from the game if he didn't return to his best in the 2016 season.[50]

2016

On 13 February 2016, Soward played for the Indigenous All Stars against the World All Stars, playing off the interchange bench in the 8-12 loss at Suncorp Stadium.[51] In Round 10 of the 2016 NRL season, Soward scored a try and kicked 5 goals against the New Zealand Warriors in the Panthers 30-18 win, breaking his 2 year try-scoring drought in what was one of his best solo performances in over a year.[52] However, Soward's form later slumped and he was dropped to the NSW Cup.[53] On 30 June 2016, Soward was released from his Panthers contract mid-way through the season and he re-joined the London Broncos.[54][55] Soward was sent off for punching during London's 34-30 defeat by Leigh Centurions.

On 15 July 2016, Soward taunted former NRL player Beau Ryan on social media after Ryan had done another skit on The Footy Show making fun of Soward. In the sketch presented by Ryan on the show, Soward's face was superimposed on the black cat that ran onto Pepper Stadium. Ryan commented "Over the weekend we saw a strange new trend of coaches and ex-players trying to sneak into the grounds and not be noticed. This little scaredy cat (vision of Soward's face on cat) who tried to run away had no-one fooled…". Ryan then added in a whiny voice: "It's too cold…meow".

Soward then took to social media platform Twitter and displayed a picture of himself holding the NRL premiership trophy which he won as a player in 2010 with St George and the caption of "Show me yours and I'll show you mine, oh wait shit sorry you don't have one#".

Soward then typed a message at Ryan saying "He must miss me I'm not even in the country and still doing shit jokes. Oh well guess that's why I work with the gang @FOXSportsAUS all class".[56]

Soward working for Channel 9 in 2018

On 7 November 2016, Soward announced his retirement ending a 14 year professional career.[57] Soward played in 12 matches, scored 1 try and kicked 32 goals for the Penrith Panthers in the 2016 NRL season.

Post playing

In 2017, Soward began working for Fox Sports. The following year he became a commentator for Channel 9 on their coverage of the Canterbury Cup NSW competition.[58]

In 2019, Soward joined the 2GB Continuous Call Team program as one of the co-commentators for the Saturday night matches. Soward also joined Macquarie Sports Radio.[59] In 2020 he launched a podcast which he hosts called Sweet and Soward with semi-regular co-host Nick Davis and ‘The Dereks’ who make guest appearances.

In 2021 he joined the Dragons coaching staff as a kicking coach. That year he was also named as the 2022 Dragons NRL Women's Premiership team head-coach.[60]

On 20 Sep 2023 he was appointed as head-coach of Samoa Women for the forthcoming end-of-year Pacific Championships[61]

References

  1. ^ "Players". LoveRugbyLeague. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  2. ^ "RLP". Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  3. ^ Golden field goal gives Roosters Flegg title glory – League. www.smh.com.au (3 October 2004). Retrieved on 2015-10-17.
  4. ^ Roosters add to Knights's nightmare – League – Sport. smh.com.au (8 May 2005). Retrieved on 2015-10-17.
  5. ^ Gee, Steve (5 May 2009) Jamie Soward's dad will be his inspiration. Daily Telegraph
  6. ^ Williams, Steven. (2 July 2005) Roosters outclass hapless Knights. League Unlimited. Retrieved on 2015-10-17.
  7. ^ "2006 Grand Final - Newtown Jets". www.newtownjets.com.
  8. ^ Jamie Soward – The Front Row Forum :: Rugby League. Forums.leagueunlimited.com. Retrieved on 17 October 2015.
  9. ^ Soward to make Dragons début against Broncos – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). Abc.net.au (29 May 2007). Retrieved on 2015-10-17.
  10. ^ Roosters win golden point grudge match. smh.com.au. Retrieved on 17 October 2015.
  11. ^ Lockyer injured as Broncos fall to Dragons – Queensland. brisbanetimes.com.au (2 June 2007). Retrieved on 2015-10-17.
  12. ^ Soward shines in Dragons début – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). Abc.net.au. Retrieved on 17 October 2015.
  13. ^ Nolan, Ali. (17 June 2007) 200th game all good for Hindmarsh. League Unlimited. Retrieved on 2015-10-17.
  14. ^ Dragons humble Raiders. smh.com.au. Retrieved on 17 October 2015.
  15. ^ Soward signs until 2010. Daily Telegraph via couriermail.com.au (16 May 2008)
  16. ^ Williams, Steven. (26 October 2008) Aboriginal side too good for Maori. League Unlimited. Retrieved on 2015-10-17.
  17. ^ "St George Illawarra Dragons silence the Roosters in Anzac Day shutout". Fox Sports. 25 April 2009.
  18. ^ St George Dragons beat Penrith Panthers 38–10. AAP via couriermail.com.au (29 May 2009)
  19. ^ "St George Illawarra five-eighth Jamie Sowary". Fox Sports. 4 May 2009. Archived from the original on 31 July 2012. Retrieved 4 May 2009.
  20. ^ Massoud, Josh (8 May 2009) City Country beat City Origin 40–18 in Orange. Daily Telegraph
  21. ^ Jarryd Hayne storms home to claim Dally M award. NRL.com. Retrieved on 17 October 2015.
  22. ^ Badell, Peter (13 February 2010)Indigenous All Stars win historic victory. The Sunday Telegraph
  23. ^ Official Release: Soward signs on until 2013 – NRL.com. M.nrl.com (8 March 2010). Retrieved on 2015-10-17.
  24. ^ Jancetic, Steve (25 April 2010) St George Illawarra defeat Sydney Roosters 28–6 on Anzac Day at the SFS. foxsports.com.au
  25. ^ Ritchie, Dean (9 August 2010) St George Illawarra Dragons beat Sydney Roosters at SCG. Daily Telegraph
  26. ^ Dragons Scrape Into Grand Final The Daily Telegraph [dead link]
  27. ^ Riccio, David (25 September 2010) St George Illawarra Dragons beat Wests Tigers 13–12 to make NRL grand final. Daily Telegraph
  28. ^ "Stuart names Blues in waiting". SMH. 13 January 2011.
  29. ^ Heming, Wayne (12 February 2011) Wayne Bennett's NRL All Stars defeat Laurie Daley's Indigenous All Stars 28–12 at Skilled Park. foxsports.com.au
  30. ^ St George Illawarra Dragons Beat Wigan Warriors To Win World Club Challenge The Daily Telegraph [dead link]
  31. ^ Country Beating City At Half Time The Daily Telegraph [dead link]
  32. ^ Live Blog For State Of Origin I With Dominic Burke The Courier Mail [dead link]
  33. ^ "Motorsport Video |Motorsport Highlights, Replays, News, Clips".
  34. ^ "Motorsport Video |Motorsport Highlights, Replays, News, Clips".
  35. ^ Canberra curse continues as Dragons stumble once more. Smh.com.au. Retrieved on 17 October 2015.
  36. ^ "Motorsport Video |Motorsport Highlights, Replays, News, Clips".
  37. ^ "Motorsport Video |Motorsport Highlights, Replays, News, Clips".
  38. ^ a b The Australian [dead link]
  39. ^ "Motorsport Video |Motorsport Highlights, Replays, News, Clips".
  40. ^ BBC Sport – Challenge Cup: Wigan Warriors 70–0 London Broncos. Bbc.com (27 July 2013). Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  41. ^ Sheffield Eagles 10–29 London Broncos. Thechallengecup.com (12 July 2013). Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  42. ^ Squads For Auckland Nines Archived 15 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Rugby League Week (14 February 2014). Retrieved on 2015-10-17.
  43. ^ All tries Panthers beat Knights 308 NRL| Sport. 3 News. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  44. ^ 'Fragile' Newcastle Knights last after 32–10 loss to Penrith Panthers. Smh.com.au. Retrieved on 17 October 2015.
  45. ^ Jamie Soward Kicks A Lastgasp Field Goal As The Panthers Stun The Roosters 1918 The Daily Telegraph [dead link]
  46. ^ "Jamie Soward's feud with Beau Ryan bubbles away while others defend Footy Show star". www.smh.com.au. 11 April 2014.
  47. ^ "Penrith Panthers five-eighth Jamie Soward undergoes back surgery and will miss up to six weeks". 18 March 2015.
  48. ^ "Penrith Panthers five-eighth Jamie Soward could return for Brisbane Broncos clash". 30 April 2015.
  49. ^ "Motorsport Video |Motorsport Highlights, Replays, News, Clips".
  50. ^ Jamie Soward To Walk Away From Nrl If He Cant Get Back To His Best The Daily Telegraph [dead link]
  51. ^ Chris Garry (13 February 2016). "World All Stars defeat Indigenous All Stars 12-8 at Suncorp Stadium". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 14 February 2016.
  52. ^ "Panthers v Warriors: Tyrone Peachey scores three and Matt Moylan shines as Shaun Johnson has shocker | DailyTelegraph". Archived from the original on 18 May 2016.
  53. ^ "Panthers drop Soward from first grade". 7 June 2016.
  54. ^ "Penrith Panthers release Jamie Soward to play in second tier for London Broncos". 30 June 2016.
  55. ^ "Jamie Soward reveals the reason he left Penrith Panthers immediately". 30 June 2016.
  56. ^ "Soward's vitriol toward Beau Ryan over Footy Show jab". Sporting News.
  57. ^ "veteran playmaker Jamie Soward announced retirement from rugby league". foxsports.com.au.
  58. ^ "NRL 2019 on Nine". tvtonight.com.au.
  59. ^ "New faces on Ray Hadley's 'Continuous Call Team' for 2019". Radio Today. 12 March 2019.
  60. ^ "Dragons Legend James Soward moves into coaching women's rugby league". news.com.au.
  61. ^ "NRL news: Ben Gardiner, Jamie Soward appointed as new Samoan head coaches". SportingNews.com. 20 September 2023. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
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