Soward desperate to stay a Dragon

Jamie Soward ... gets round Tyrone Roberts during St George Illawarra v Newcastle. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

Jamie Soward says he'll do anything to stay at St George Illawarra beyond this season.

3 Tries 3
Brett Morris 12'	Darius Boyd 46'
Jason Nightingale 52'	Timana Tahu 65'
Tyson Frizell 60'	Akuila Uate 80'
2 Conversions 2
Jamie Soward 14'	Kurt Gidley 47'
Jamie Soward 61'	Kurt Gidley 66'
1 Penalties 0
Jamie Soward 7'
1 Field Goals 0
Jamie Soward 40'

The former NSW playmaker produced a fine performance for the Dragons, kicking two goals, a crucial field goal on the halftime siren and set up Jason Nightingale for a second-half try in his side's 19-16 win over Newcastle on Sunday.

Soward moved to fullback for the last half-hour of the game after Gerard Beale injured his left knee trying to prevent a Darius Boyd try and didn't look out of place at WIN Jubilee Oval.

The 28-year-old last played in the custodian role in 2006 for Sydney Roosters and said he'd have no problem doing it again against Wests Tigers next Sunday at the SCG having made the on-field decision to switch, allowing rookie half Josh Drinkwater to make his NRL debut.

"I enjoyed going back there and I'd play there again, I had to make less tackles," Soward said.

"I can also play nine, front row, wherever, just to try and help the team out.

"When Gerard went down I said `get me back there, get Josh on'.

"It was easier to put me back there than switch everything around.

"I think Pricey was thinking it, but I sent the trainer back to ask him so not to cut him out of the loop."

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Soward opened the scoring after eight minutes with a penalty in front to the posts and the Dragons extended their lead through Brett Morris just before the quarter-hour mark.

It was a bright start from the hosts with Morris putting the finishing touches to a sweeping right to left move.

The Knights have been comfortable winners in three of their first four games, victories which have all come at Hunter Stadium.

But on the road they look a different proposition and produced little in attack in the opening stanza which concluded with a 35-metre field goal from Soward that clipped the left post before clearing the crossbar for the Dragons to lead 9-0 at halftime.

Bennett's side were much improved after the break and former Dragon Darius Boyd raced to the line eight minutes after the restart for his side's opening try.

To compound the blow for the home team, Gerard Beale was forced off with a knee injury leaving them down to 16 players for the remainder of the game.

Jason Nightingale hit back almost immediately for the home side and the Dragons were over again nine minutes later through young back-rower Tyson Frizell who scampered home after Boyd was clattered by Morris and Nathan Fien to knock the ball loose.

Timana Tahu ensured a tight finish with a try 15 minutes from time that was converted by Kurt Gidley.

Despite the Knights throwing the kitchen sink in the final stages, the Dragons defence held firm, with a Akuila Uate try in the final seconds nothing more than a consolation for the visitors.

Soward's current deal expires at the end of the year and he's unsure if the club are willing to extend his six-year stint, with his manager Sam Ayoub still yet to thrash out an agreement.

"I am under no illusions, I am off contract and need to have a big year," he said.

"Hopefully something is sorted sooner rather than later so I can sort out my future.

"But at the moment I am busy planning a wedding and that takes up most of my time at home."

Soward also believes if he stays he can play a role in helping to nurture the Dragons up and coming stars.

"I'd love to stay, but I understand the club's position," he said.

"They have Kyle Stanley coming back next season, Josh Drinkwater is an up and coming player.

"The club need to look after themselves and I know that. I'd love to stay and I think I offer good support for the young blokes.

"I like to think I can do a job.''

Beale is set to have scans on his knee this week and left the ground on crutches.

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