Playmaker set to play out the rest of the season with the London Broncos.
Dragons’ five-eighth Jamie Soward has cuts ties with the St George Illawarra club and will join the English Super League for the rest of the year
The shocking move comes in the wake of Soward signing a lucrative deal with the Penrith Panthers from next season.
The reportedly created unrest between Soward and the rest of the Dragons side, with the Wagga-born star opting to play out the rest of the season overseas, before returning to Australia to join the Panthers.
“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,” Dragons CEO Peter Doust said.
“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.”
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 said.
“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.
“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.”
Soward was recently given time off training by coach Steve Price to consider his future and was last week dropped to feeder side Illawarra Cutters as the troubles between he and the club deepened.
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