Soward Early Release

[KiamaSaint]

As I was reading that article on Soward returning to the NRL and was reflecting on the superstar player, it struck me that while you can build a team around these players, in the long term their egos might actually hold the team back.

Consider these examples:
Benji Marshall - tigers have done nothing since 2005, dropped to the bench this year, a bit of a kick up the bum.
Jennings & Lewis - dumped from Panthers, they now seem to be rebuilding nicely.
Carney - dumped from Roosters
Dugan - dumped from Raiders, only seemed to have impacted them positively.
JT - retained by Cowboys but and languishing at the bottom of the table and underachieving for years.
Prince - dumped and Titans seem better for it.

But then you have the exception of Smith, Cronk and Slater, what can you say about those freaks.

In 2010, Soward wasn't a senior player and it seemed to have been keep in check by WB as well as Hornby. Reading between the lines it seems his ego may have got the better of him. Certainly the writing was on the wall late 2011 with that on field spat between Price and Soward and continued into last year.

It's pretty obvious I know but I guess the club saw Soward as toxic to the team and coach.

 

[Godz Illa]

haha Firey. Ouch. I guess I should change add the prefix "99% of the time..."

That said, just because the club may not be releasing doesn't mean he'll see first grade.

 

[Dr Fruitbasket Returns]

I think this is a ridiculous statement. It is an insult to the profession of being an NRL coach, and does Steve Price no favours. I think even he would be insulted by it.

If a coach goes into the role not believing he they can make a difference to the skill-set, belief and attitude of his men, and build them into a better team, but instead - simply hopes he gets dealt a winning hand - then he has chosen the wrong job.

Dude, if you're team just isn't that good there's only so much a coach can do. Bennet can't turn that shambles of a Newcastle side into a contender and Bellamy couldn't win SOO. I think Price has done reasonably well to get us to 5 and 8, keep morale relatively high and develop De Belin, Stockwell and King in a losing side. We had a spoon roster at the start of the year and no coach was going to get it anywhere near the Top Four. There's nothing that makes coaching easier than having the best players playing for you.

 

[BennyV]

Dude, if you're team just isn't that good there's only so much a coach can do. Bennet can't turn that shambles of a Newcastle side into a contender and Bellamy couldn't win SOO. I think Price has done reasonably well to get us to 5 and 8, keep morale relatively high and develop De Belin, Stockwell and King in a losing side. We had a spoon roster at the start of the year and no coach was going to get it anywhere near the Top Four. There's nothing that makes coaching easier than having the best players playing for you.

Not meaning to be a smartass, but weren't you anti-Price?

 

[Dragon Blood]

Soward = London Bronco. Imediate

 

[Saint Angelo]

All the best jamie.

You were an integral part of our 2010 success and that will never be forgotten.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news-display/77344


The St George Illawarra Dragons have today signed and granted Jamie Soward a release effective immediately from the remainder of his playing contract.
Soward and his management requested an early release last week to enable Soward to take up an opportunity to play in the English Super League for the remainder of this season.
“After consultation with the Coaching Staff, the Dragons Board determined that granting the early release requested by Jamie and his management was in the best interests of both parties,” said Dragons CEO Peter Doust.
“It is fair to say that mid-season signings and transfers are not ideal for Clubs, players or fans but that is the system in which we work.
“This is not how the Club or Jamie envisaged things would end and efforts were made to avoid this circumstance but both parties agree that this is the best outcome.
“Jamie has made a significant contribution to our Club, we thank him for his services and wish him well for his future,” added Doust.
Soward indicated that he was grateful to the Club for the opportunities that they have provided and for enabling him to take up the opportunity to play in England.
“I would like to thank the Dragons and everyone associated with the Club for everything that they have done for me throughout my time at the Club,” said Soward.
“St George Illawarra is a special Club with great people and I have some great memories to take with me, especially the Grand Final win in 2010,” added Soward.
“Whilst I would have liked to have finished the season out, I am looking forward to the opportunity presented to me overseas for the remainder of this year.
“Rugby League is a business and this is the right thing for me and the Dragons and I wish the team and Club all the best for the future”.

 

[Dragon Blood]

OOOPS....sticky "m" key

Just heard Saints have released Soward to join the London Broncos immediately. Apparently no more appearances for Dragons or Cutters.

 

[saint.nick]

yeah it's been confirmed by the club.

 

[DragonBuck]

makes sense as I heard over the weekend that Mary hasn't been very happy with his attitude at the cutters either. No point in keeping him around if neither coach wants him here.
I wish him good luck. He was great for us for a few years but it's definitely time for him to move on.

 

[Black Forest Dragon]

Congratulations Jamie Soward on your playing career at Dragons. And best of luck with your future.

Thanks soooo much for the memories, especially that field goal in major Semi final against the Tigers in 2010.

My boys and I sat squarely in line behind the goal posts and I will never forget the celebration we shared as we watched it sail straight through the posts and directly to us!!!!!

Priceless !!!

 

[Fiery]

No question he has been poor the last 1.5 years but far from the worst. Supercoach Price threw him under the bus to buy himself a little more time.

 

[Willow]

No question he has been poor the last 1.5 years but far from the worst. Supercoach Price threw him under the bus to buy himself a little more time.

Threw him under a bus? That's rough.

Could have be worse... at least he didn't send him to the Swamp.

 

[drake]

I'll always remember the Rockstar for what he could achieve when coached.
Thanks for 2010 Jamie.

 

[Father Ted]

Threw him under a bus? That's rough.

Could have be worse... at least he didn't send him to the Swamp.

Used a medium to read one of you're posts in the swamp Willow. I do miss most haunted .I'm gettina a name , Will, William , Wally och noo It's Willom

 

[Simon Templar]

Thanks for the memories Jamie along with all the other players who made it happen in 2010. The only recording on the Foxtel box that can't ever be erased for fear of the repercussions. Worth watching all over again if you want see a well coached side playing to their potential. The Price Years are déjà vu for the Brown Years.

 

[Fiery]

Threw him under a bus? That's rough.

Could have be worse... at least he didn't send him to the Swamp.

You are very powerful and don't let anyone tell you different. Empires have clashed, dynasties fallen and etc over the power to send someone to "the swamp".

BTW have we crossed before? It's weird and slightly creepy how you follow me across every thread and leave snide little comments no matter the time. I posted messages several hours ago which you promptly replied to and now again almost immediately. Like you have been sitting, staring at your monitor waiting for my post for hours.

 

[The_Team_Won]

OOOPS....sticky "m" key

Just heard Saints have released Soward to join the London Broncos immediately. Apparently no more appearances for Dragons or Cutters.

Looks like I need a new Siggie :lol:

 

[coast_dragons]

Fiery Soward didn't need any help getting thrown under the bus so to speak he pretty much helped himself to it.

 

[St Jorge]

Is this a move by Doust to enable him to go after Chase with the extra cap $ for this year. This cash may pay his ex manager, legal fees, transfer or whatever

 

[Father Ted]

Is this a move by Doust to enable him to go after Chase with the extra cap $ for this year. This cash may pay his ex manager, legal fees, transfer or whatever

I think part of Sowards Money stays on our cap where ever he goes until his contract ends. It has been suggested to me that Gasnier and Hornby are still on our cap as well. Can Anyone confirm or refute?