Jamie Soward sets up victory and promise
June 21st 2008 07:28
Jamie Soward epitomises what the Dragons are all about
Seeing Dragons five-eighth Jamie Soward chip over the top and regather was a knowing tribute to the man's talent.
The last time i saw such a play was in the 2004 Jersey Flegg Grand Final, when the then Roosters half set up a brilliant Sydney try. A try which effectively brewed Soward for a tilt at the NRL.
Lately however, there have been times where Soward's gone as broke as a family living in a lower class suburb. Word is now he's back on track, flying like a bird.
For Soward can pump up a play on a footy pitch like Mariah Carey shouts out music. On their day, they can excite anyone who watches them.
Unfortunetly for Soward, like all Dragons before him, he too has been prone to throwing rocks. Enough infact to bail out the Dragon's 2008 campaign for that elusive premiership.
Judging by yesterday's performance, Soward was a man on a mission. Plotting every attacking raid, Soward was the figure to get the Dragons home.
And so he did.
He used to go wondering in pressure situations. He would usually make the wrong move. A player of his ability often capitulating. Treated as one of many Dragons cursed with inconsistency to their names. My opinion.
But now the man has changed. Soward ,like the Dragons, have blazed to five wins on the trot. Seven weeks ago they looked faded. You didn't even need an X-ray to confirm it.
How things have changed. Since their Anzac Day win over the Roosters, the Dragons are starting to kick once again, while the Panthers lick their wounds on another gutsy but painful performance.
The Wollongong faithful are driving around optimistic. Feeling good about the transformation that has affected both Soward and the Red V.
Like a Hollywood script, the Dragons are setting up for a season looking like finishing with a fair element of surprise.
With confidence on Soward's mind, many faithful think he could be the good guy to rescue what has been a club paged year in year out.
Dragons supporters have had to ride the aura of expectation this great club has promised for over 10 years. Watching and waiting for the right time, fans are yet to get rich on the premiership that has eluded the Dragons.
Many have screamed like a b**** just waiting for that premiership to arrive. Many have shown their support through hellish times. But like bricks exposed in the middle of the M7, the Dragons have always stumbled.
The beginning of season 2008 looked to have exposed Soward's and his team's flaws once again.
Losing six of their first seven games didn't do well to suit up the frailties at such a successful and historical club.
Like a van waiting for a passenger next to the street, Soward and the Dragons finally felt pulled by the stench of failure around their necks.
Just their luck, Soward and the Dragons decided to give the Roosters a touch up. The makeover was complete. The Dragons rushed to victory, switched by the power of Anzac Day.
Since then, both Soward and the Dragons have mixed it up with the best in the competition to zip up to sixth on the premiership ladder. Things do not look bad after all.
Playing like men looking after each others backs, The Dragons have caught fire and will be hard to put out throughout the remainder of 2008.
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