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Rugby League > Soward pushing for Blues call-up
By Ben Horne
June 22, 2010

St George Illawarra five eighth Jamie Soward believes he and Mitchell Pearce would complement each other nicely if picked as the NSW halves pairing for Origin III.

Soward said if he was given a shot in the dead rubber match, he would look to produce a  performance which would solidify his position in the team for years to come.

The Dragons star ran second to Jarryd Hayne in last season's Dally M Medal race, and has been one of the NRL's most dominant playmakers again in 2010.

Despite his good form, Soward's name was rarely mentioned for selection leading into game's one and two, but with the series over and a future focus being adopted, he has charged back into calculations.

The points-scoring whiz said he would relish the chance to partner Pearce and lead NSW out of their current hole.

"If I got the chance to play alongside him I think we'd be good together, him being obviously a guy who likes being on the ball and myself being more of a runner. That's how me and Benny Hornby play (at the Dragons)," said Soward.

"I've never been one to come out and say I'm ready or not ready or whatever, I've just come out there and let my footy do the talking and I think I've been in a good position for the last year and a half where I've been consistent and let my footy do the talking.

"I'd be just looking to put in a nice solid game like Mitchell had in game two, and you see all the wraps he got from it and how blokes are saying he's going to be there for the next couple of years.

"I'm sure if I got picked I'd be taking that point of view to put in a good effort to show enough that I want to be there for the next couple of years."

There is a push for NSW selectors to throw caution to the wind and blood youngsters in the third match at ANZ Stadium with not as much at stake.

Queensland have already secured their fifth straight Origin series, but Soward is adamant there would still be intense pressure on him if he was selected.

He said it would virtually be an audition for the future meaning there's just as much on the line.

"I don't know if it would be any pressure off, I think if you get picked in Origin III it's about showing enough so you can be there for the next couple of years to come," he said.

"It's not about going out there and winning and being happy about losing the series 2-1, it's about blokes showing that in years to come they can put their hand up and do the job for NSW because Queensland at the moment are just rampant and they've got a great side."
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