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http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/1439488/soward-goes-but-thompson-comes/?cs=302
CRONULLA coach Shane Flanagan is confident of inking Todd Carney to a new deal in the next 48 hours, ruling out the former Dally M medallist as a direct replacement for Penrith-bound Jamie Soward at the Dragons.
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But the Dragons have got at least one of their men, with the club set to announce as early as Thursday that Joel Thompson has agreed to a three-year, $1.3 million deal.
The Panthers announced on Wednesday they had signed former State Of Origin five-eighth Soward to a four-year deal from next season.
It sharpened the Dragons focus on luring a star playmaker to the club, with Carney reported to be high on St George Illawarras recruitment drive.
But Flanagan told the Mercury Sowards exit wouldnt necessitate a need to fast-track negotiations with Carney to ward off the Dragons, who he claimed were always planning to cut loose their premiership-winning five-eighth.
It hasnt changed our approach and were confident well get something done in the next couple of days, Flanagan said in regards to keeping Carney in the Shire. Were not making any further comment than that.
Sowards exit could be tempered with the news versatile Canberra back-rower Thompson, a one-time Indigenous All-Star team-mate of Soward, will link with the Red V.
The Mercury understands the 24-year-old is set to accept the deal which to head to Wollongong, a deal that was far in excess of what the Raiders could offer.
St George Illawarras hunt for a long-term playmaker has also centred on former Dragon Rangi Chase, who won English Super Leagues 2011 Man Of Steel Award, and promising Canberra half Sam Williams.
The Mercury revealed earlier this month that Dragons coach Steve Price phoned Raiders mentor David Furner directly in February to discuss the prospect of Williams moving to Wollongong this season.
The Country Origin representatives future in the nations capital remains clouded after the return of skipper Terry Campese from two injury-riddled seasons.
Sowards long-term future is far from that though, with the 28-year-old announcing his shock deal with the Panthers.
It is understood Soward met with Panthers coach Ivan Cleary and general manager Phil Gould last week to nut out the deal.
This was definitely a big decision for me as I love the Dragons but as I have always said, I needed to make a decision about what was in the best interests for me and my future, Soward said.
I am absolutely committed to the Dragons, my coach and team-mates for the remainder of this season and and will enjoy every minute of the rest of the year.
Gould described Soward as a marquee signing for the Panthers.
He is a tremendous talent, proven at the highest levels of our game, he said. He also brings with him great experience and leadership qualities.
Soward is the Dragons all-time leading pointscorer and has made 134 appearances for the club since his mid-season switch from the Roosters in 2007.
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He will assume the playmaking duties at Penrith, desperately trying to mould a young roster after shedding several high earners over the past two seasons.
Dragons boss Peter Doust said a cashed-up St George Illawarra were on the verge of bolstering their 2014 ranks.
As has been speculated for some time, we are in a strong position regarding recruitment but we have never been interested in speculating, he said. When we have a number of matters finalised we will communicate appropriately.
CRONULLA coach Shane Flanagan is confident of inking Todd Carney to a new deal in the next 48 hours, ruling out the former Dally M medallist as a direct replacement for Penrith-bound Jamie Soward at the Dragons.
See your ad here
But the Dragons have got at least one of their men, with the club set to announce as early as Thursday that Joel Thompson has agreed to a three-year, $1.3 million deal.
The Panthers announced on Wednesday they had signed former State Of Origin five-eighth Soward to a four-year deal from next season.
It sharpened the Dragons focus on luring a star playmaker to the club, with Carney reported to be high on St George Illawarras recruitment drive.
But Flanagan told the Mercury Sowards exit wouldnt necessitate a need to fast-track negotiations with Carney to ward off the Dragons, who he claimed were always planning to cut loose their premiership-winning five-eighth.
It hasnt changed our approach and were confident well get something done in the next couple of days, Flanagan said in regards to keeping Carney in the Shire. Were not making any further comment than that.
Sowards exit could be tempered with the news versatile Canberra back-rower Thompson, a one-time Indigenous All-Star team-mate of Soward, will link with the Red V.
The Mercury understands the 24-year-old is set to accept the deal which to head to Wollongong, a deal that was far in excess of what the Raiders could offer.
St George Illawarras hunt for a long-term playmaker has also centred on former Dragon Rangi Chase, who won English Super Leagues 2011 Man Of Steel Award, and promising Canberra half Sam Williams.
The Mercury revealed earlier this month that Dragons coach Steve Price phoned Raiders mentor David Furner directly in February to discuss the prospect of Williams moving to Wollongong this season.
The Country Origin representatives future in the nations capital remains clouded after the return of skipper Terry Campese from two injury-riddled seasons.
Sowards long-term future is far from that though, with the 28-year-old announcing his shock deal with the Panthers.
It is understood Soward met with Panthers coach Ivan Cleary and general manager Phil Gould last week to nut out the deal.
This was definitely a big decision for me as I love the Dragons but as I have always said, I needed to make a decision about what was in the best interests for me and my future, Soward said.
I am absolutely committed to the Dragons, my coach and team-mates for the remainder of this season and and will enjoy every minute of the rest of the year.
Gould described Soward as a marquee signing for the Panthers.
He is a tremendous talent, proven at the highest levels of our game, he said. He also brings with him great experience and leadership qualities.
Soward is the Dragons all-time leading pointscorer and has made 134 appearances for the club since his mid-season switch from the Roosters in 2007.
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He will assume the playmaking duties at Penrith, desperately trying to mould a young roster after shedding several high earners over the past two seasons.
Dragons boss Peter Doust said a cashed-up St George Illawarra were on the verge of bolstering their 2014 ranks.
As has been speculated for some time, we are in a strong position regarding recruitment but we have never been interested in speculating, he said. When we have a number of matters finalised we will communicate appropriately.
