Jamie Soward's Penrith teammates believe his influence around the club this season has been as important as his stellar performances on the field.
The former NSW and St George Illawarra five-eighth has been in career-best form and on Saturday kicked the late field goal that beat the Sydney Roosters, taking the Panthers to within 80 minutes of a first grand final appearance in 11 years.
But according to backrower Matt Robinson it's Soward's off-field interactions with less experienced players that has helped mould the side this year.
"He's awesome, Sowie really loves the young guys and is always talking and messing around with them," Robinson told AAP.
"He mainly helps out guys like Matty Moylan, 'Chicko' (James Segeyaro) and Will Smith. The guys who run the game.
"He's such a pivotal part of our team and I know Matty and 'Chicko' really look up to him."
Centre Jamal Idris, who shares the same manager as Soward, has known the playmaker for many years and said behind closed doors there is lot more to him than meets the eye.
"What people see on TV and what he's like in real life are a complete contrast," Idris told AAP.
"He's had a lot of ups and downs in his career but for us he's been outstanding. He's a larrikin and a very funny bloke.
"He's the glue in this team that keeps everything together on and off the field."
Soward endured a sometimes fractious relationship with his ex-Dragons teammates and was barely on speaking terms with former coach Steve Price when he was forced out of the joint-venture club midway through last season.
Kiwi back-rower Robinson didn't know Soward before this year but said he's been a breath of fresh air from the moment he walked in the door at Sportingbet Stadium.
"He loves a bit of banter does Sowie, he lightens the mood," he said.
"Him and 'Chicko' car pool together and they are always into each other and having a laugh.
"It's well publicised that we're a team with no real stars. The people we have here get on so well, from the coaching staff down to the players."
Robinson believes it's those lack of egos that's helped players like himself step up from reserve grade without fear of failure.
"Because of how everyone is at the club, when you come up from reserve grade you fit in and feel comfortable straight away," he said.
"Because no-one thinks they are bigger or better than anyone else you all dig in and work hard for one another.
"As a group we go out for dinner together and socialise a lot. There's a team spirit and friendship here that's really strong."
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