Dragons star Jamie Soward to join Penrith Panthers in 2014 ST GEORGE Illawarra's uncertain coaching future has chalked up its first victim with Jamie Soward agreeing to reunite with long-time supporter Phil Gould at Penrith. Soward did not receive a counter-offer from the Dragons, who have prioritised their next coaching appointment ahead of the retention of several current players. In yet another indication that Steve Price remains on shaky ground despite winning his past three matches, it's understood officials want next year's coach to have considerable input into the 2014 roster rather than inheriting a football team assembled by others. While Soward and his agent, Sam Ayoub, had preliminary discussions with St George Illawarra, Panthers supremo Phil Gould moved swiftly to construct a handsome four-year deal. Gould's admiration for Soward extends back almost a decade, when the Wagga Wagga product was blitzing junior representative scoring records at the Roosters. While coaching NSW in 2004, Gould even plucked Soward from Jersey Flegg to mimic Queensland great Darren Lockyer at a Blues opposed session. Gould even expressed interest while attempting to sign Johnathan Thurston on a $5.2 million deal, and ramped up negotiations with Soward immediately after the Test half decided to play out his career with the Cowboys. The 28-year-old was convinced to leave after a one-on-one meeting with Gould last week, where he was given a presentation of Penrith's strategic plan. Jamie Soward will play for the Panthers from 2014. Soward was not available for comment last night, but Ayoub stressed Gould was a significant factor behind his decision to quit the Dragons. "Jamie could see what Gus was building at Penrith and thought he could play a part in that," Ayoub said. He and Gus go back a long way. Gould yesterday described the former NSW Origin and Indigenous All Stars five-eighth as a "marquee signing" for the club.