MVP Dylan Edwards is the man Penrith's system might not be able to cover
The Panthers' system covers most situations, but how would it cope without iron man Dylan Edwards?
Sydney Roosters have capitalised on a first half shutout of Penrith to record a 24-4 win and consolidate their spot in the top four on Saturday night.
For the second time this year, centre Blake Ferguson tore up the Panthers’ left edge, having a hand in two tries and he should’ve had one himself.
After bagging a double in a 20-12 win in March, the former bad boy – together with wing partner Shaun Kenny-Dowall – took full advantage of a forward pack that exposed a frail Panthers middle with unerring ease.
NSW halfback Mitchell Pearce bounced back from the Blues’ pummelling in Brisbane with a strong outing.
The visitors added a try to their 2-0 lead when Kenny-Dowall finished a long-range effort that included Ferguson bumping off two defenders in the 20th minute.
With four regular first-graders still on the sideline, a game Panthers outfit stayed with the dominant Roosters to cop a 6-0 deficit at halftime.
But the Roosters duo combined again after the break when a soaring Ferguson tapped back a James Maloney kick for his in-form teammate.
Eight minutes later Roger Tuivasa-Sheck spun the lead to 18 with a solo effort.
There was faint hope of a comeback when makeshift winger Lewis Brown – filling in after David Simmons limped off with a bad back in the first half – stormed onto a Dean Whare inside pass in the 71st minute.
But Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves sealed the win with a barnstorming run in the 75th.
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The Panthers' system covers most situations, but how would it cope without iron man Dylan Edwards?
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