Jamie Soward shows poor sportsmanship after refusing to shake hands with Canberra opponents after loss DRAGONS playmaker Jamie Soward has been accused of bad sportsmanship after he refused to shake hands with Raiders players at the end of Monday night's heartbreaking loss. 
Soward was one of the first players off Canberra Stadium following the 22-18 defeat. Several Canberra players had not noticed Soward's snub, while others at yesterday's recovery were bemused by his quick exit.
"It was strange he didn't shake hands, but I guess the loss would have been a tough one to swallow," said one player.
Another senior Raider said: "He's a passionate guy and it would have been hard for him. "Still, one of the first things you're taught when you play footy is you acknowledge the opposition and shake hands after the game."
Soward, who this time last year was playing for NSW in the Origin III decider, has always been animated on the field, often pumping himself up before kick-off.
He leapt for joy when he produced a 40/20 kick in the second half against the Raiders, which eventually led to the first of Mitch Rein's two tries.
When Soward converted Rein's 68th-minute try to make it 18-16, the little left-footer thought he had helped end the club's 12-year hoodoo in the nation's capital.
Instead, Canberra hit back with a try with three minutes on the clock and went on to win the game.
As the Raiders players rejoiced, Soward headed for the sideline. Fox Sports footage showed Soward on the far side of the field as his teammates hung around to congratulate the Canberra players.
The Daily Telegraph asked for a comment from Soward via the Dragons, only for the five-eighth to decline the request.
The Dragons Army had no issues with Soward's behaviour, with supporter Peter Trad saying: "It shows he's got passion for the jersey and wants to win."
The team bus could not have pulled out of Canberra quick enough for Soward and the Dragons after their 10th straight defeat against the Raiders.
Meanwhile, Soward's teammate Trent Merrin returned to Queensland yesterday to rejoin the Blues, where he is 18th man.
It was a tough few days for Merrin, who was first let go from the extended Blues squad before Origin III for a second straight year, then couldn't help get the Dragons across the line.
As for the Blues' hopes tonight, Merrin said: "I think the tide is about to change. The bond the boys have, everyone is playing for each other and there are no individuals."
Source: The Herald Sun
Topic: Another Loss to Raiders Too Much for Soward to Take
