Penrith playmaker Jamie Soward will miss four to six weeks of the NRL season with the former State of Origin five-eight heading into back surgery this evening.

The club has kept an eye on Soward who struggled with his goalkicking on the weekend, eventually giving it up to Matt Moylan.

A decision was made today between Soward and the Panthers medical staff.

Soward is expected to return no later than Penrith’s 26th April showdown with the Cronulla Sharks.