The NSWRL is pleased to announce that True Blue and former premiership-winner Jamie Soward has been appointed as an assistant coach for the Harvey Norman NSW Sky Blues in 2022.
Soward will join Harvey Norman NSW Sky Blues coach Kylie Hilder as they aim to wrestle the Ampol Women’s State of Origin away from Queensland at GIO Stadium, Canberra on Friday 24 June.
Hilder said she was looking forward to working with Soward this season after he steered the St George Illawarra Dragons in his first season as coach into the NRLW Grand Final.
Ironically the pair will be on opposite sides in this weekend’s NRLW Grand Final at Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe, with Hilder an assistant coach for the Roosters.
“Jamie had a long and distinguished career as a player and he has made a successful transition into the coaching ranks,” Hilder said.
“I have been impressed with his dedication and passion for women’s Rugby League and he has done a great job to take the Dragons to a Grand Final.
“We are already working well together, and he is on the same page as me when it comes to how I want to coach the Harvey Norman NSW Sky Blues and what we will need to do to give ourselves every chance of winning Origin this year.”
Soward, who represented NSW for three games in 2011 and won a premiership with the Dragons in 2010, said he was humbled by the appointment.
“I’m really excited to get this opportunity and I’ve enjoyed working with the Dragons players in the NRLW this season,” Soward said.
“I’m passionate about NSW and I’m looking forward to working with Kylie as we strive to return the Origin Shield home in 2022.”
