IT'S a measure of just how far he has come as a footballer and a person that NSW State of Origin debutant Jamie Soward had no problems cracking jokes at his expense as he soaked up the start of the pre-match hype yesterday.
Obviously on a high after being selected in the side to play Queensland in the opening match at Suncorp Stadium tomorrow week, the St George Illawarra five-eighth was just as cool in front of the cameras and microphones as he has been on the field over the past two seasons.
Even the curly questions, such as those about his previous relationship with Blues coach Ricky Stuart and a reminder of the barbs that saw him labelled a speed hump - a none too subtle dig at his perceived defensive frailties - brought a smile to his face and did not faze him.
In his determination to distance himself from the speed hump jibes, Soward decided to liken himself more to the e-tag, the device that beeps when cars go through the toll.
"Yeah, the speed hump," Soward said with just a hint of a sigh. "I like to call it e-tag . . . that's a bit more modern these days.
"But I'd like to think the e-tag days may be gone.
"I'm not the only bloke who has missed a tackle on (Queensland centre) Greg Inglis. Actually, I've missed more than one (tackle) on him. I'm not worried about what everyone else is saying. Ricky will give me directions come game time and as long as I follow that and do my part for the team I'll be fine."
And talking of Stuart, Soward was quick to play down a story highlighted the fact that Stuart had almost ended his career at the Roosters when he played only a handful of games under him in 2005-06.
Soward was released the following year after Stuart said publicly that he was a "classy touch footballer" who was "scared of the physicality of our game".
"Nah, there's nothing there," Soward said when asked if there was an issue. "That was early on in my career and I think that (the criticism) was fair enough.
"I was obviously up and down in form. Since then I have worked hard to turn things around.
"I've had a few good years at the Dragons and my footy has gone up since then.
"I'm just looking forward to working with Ricky again. He is obviously a smart man and a very passionate New South Welshman."
Of his transformation over the last two seasons and elevation to the NSW side, Soward made a point of personally thanking those who had helped him.
"My teammates have a lot to do with my form and Wayne Bennett has been a massive part," Soward said. "He knows what I think of him and the advice he has given me privately.
"Everyone knows who helped and I thanked them privately before I came in to camp today."
While NSW will field yet another halves combination, Soward does not believe there is extra pressure on him and Mitchell Pearce to shine.
"It is important to grab your chance but that just doesn't go for the halves, it goes for everyone in the team," he said.
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