JAMIE Soward has officially hung up his boots.
After 12 seasons in the NRL and two stints in England, the former NSW Origin representative and 2010 premiership winner has called time on his highly decorated career.
While the 31-year-old wasn’t afford the fairy-tale finish he would have liked after ending the year in London playing for the Broncos in England’s second tier competition, he leaves the game with plenty of highlights to his name.
Since making his first grade debut with the Roosters back in 2005, the playmaker has become one of the most polarising characters in the game.
Whether you loved him or hated him, there’s no denying Soward’s passion for the game.
It was this passion and determination which saw him leave the tri colours for Wollongong where he won the 2010 premiership with St George Illawarra.
It was under the tutelage of Wayne Bennett at the Dragons where Soward had his greatest success.
After winning the NRL title he achieved yet another lofty goal when he was named five-eighth for the Blues in the 2011 Origin series.
After seven years in the red v and a very public falling out with then coach Steve Price, he finished 2013 playing in London.
The move to England saw him lead the Broncos to the Challenge Cup semi-finals and allowed him time to get out of the spotlight and start enjoying his footy once again.
By the time he returned to Australia and link with Penrith where general manager of football Phil Gould proudly touted their marquee signing as a pillar to lead the club into the future, the Indigenous All Stars representative was ready to show his worth.
The 2014 season was a breakout year for the head gearing wearing half but a niggling back issue would plague him the following season.
Now a far more mature Soward had an eye on the future.
By his own admission, 2015 was a disappointment. So much so he vowed to give the game away if he didn’t return to form.
Determined to leave his mark on the game, Soward started the year strong before he was dropped to the Intrust Super Premiership in favour of youngster Nathan Clearly after an ordinary performance against Melbourne in round 13.
In perhaps the most selfless move in his career, Soward requested a release from his deal with the Panthers and finished the season in England’s second tier competition.
The move gave the club the freedom to upgrade the contracts of Matt Moylan and Bryce Cartwright as they continue to strengthen their young roster.
This writer is on Twitter @Nath_Ryan
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