Dylan Edwards isn’t the flashiest player in Penrith’s juggernaut NRL side, but the fullback’s enormous importance to the Panthers was again on display as the reigning premiers marched through to the grand final on Saturday night.
Edwards was at his tremendous best as Penrith overcame South Sydney 32-12 at Accor Stadium, setting up a grand final clash with bitter western Sydney rivals Parramatta in the process.
The Panthers will shoot for back-to-back premierships in a match against the Eels at Accor Stadium next Sunday night.
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As the Panthers carved out victory over the Rabbitohs to secure a third grand final appearance in succession, Edwards racked up 287 run metres, registered 14 tackle breaks and was at his defensive best.
“He’s a freak,” Nathan Cleary told Nine after the game.
“I’m really glad he’s getting the accolades he deserves this year.
“We’ve known how good he is for a while now, and I absolutely love playing alongside him.”
Phil Gould is in awe of Edwards’ rise.
“I wish we had put a video tape on him from the embryo stage right through … the way he has trained and the perseverance he’s shown just to become the player that he is,” Gould said.
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“He’s not the silky-smooth ball-player, creative-type player. He’s just 100 per cent effort on every run, every tackle. He’s the minister of defence. He’s why the Panthers defensive line is always so well organised. And whenever someone needs to be there, he is there every time.”
Paul Gallen branded Edwards an “absolute genius”.
“I spoke before the match about him and Latrell Mitchell and the differences in the two. But I promise you right now … the Penrith Panthers wouldn’t swap him for the world,” Gallen said.
“He is an absolutely outstanding player. Effort all the time.
“They wouldn’t swap him for anyone — Latrell or (James) Tedesco, anyone. They love him.”
The Panthers trailed 12-0 after 19 minutes and were soon denied a try by the Bunker in controversial circumstances.
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But converted tries to Apisai Koroisau and Brian To’o saw them fight back to level the scores at 12-12 by half-time.
Penrith then ran away with the match in the second half through tries to Spencer Leniu, Izack Tago and Cleary, as well as a Cleary penalty goal.
The Cleary penalty goal followed a shocking high shot by Taane Milne on Leniu, which resulted in the South Sydney winger being sent off.
The Panthers are sweating on the grand final availability of both Leniu (concussion) and Viliame Kikau, who was reported for a shoulder charge on Campbell Graham.
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