Penrith general manager Phil Gould says Jamie Soward was recruited as a match-winner who has the best kicking game in the NRL.

Soward’s four-year deal with Penrith was met with some raised eyebrows on Wednesday, given the lack of interest from the playmaker’s current club St George Illawarra and recent back problems.

But Gould defended the signing on Thursday saying the 28-year-old was exactly what the Panthers needed as part of their rebuilding process.

“When you’re in a rebuilding phases the best way to get (players) is from successful clubs,” Gould told Triple M radio.

“We need a Jamie Soward in our club.”

The former NSW representative will arrive in 2014 to bolster a halves pairing that has been decimated by injury and poor form this season.

Five-eighth Lachlan Coote (pectoral injury) is expected to miss the rest of the season while halfback Luke Walsh has failed to fire.

Gould said that a premiership-winning player like Soward would bring immediate results.

“I think if you ask any coach in history what are the most important elements of winning football games, somewhere near the top will be kicking game,” Gould added.

“Well the Panthers just bought the best kicking game in the business.

“…As long as I’ve known Jamie he’s been a match-winner.

“He’s been a points scorer (and) a points creator.

“He’s now played in a premiership-winning team and is being coached by the best coach in history in Wayne Bennett.

“That’s all things that can impart positively on the Panthers.

“…If your team is solid up front and you’re making ground, Jamie Soward can play off the back of that.”