It’s a strange life being Dylan Edwards. The guy is arguably the form fullback of the NRL and close to the most important cog in the Panthers domination machine, given his role in starting their sets, yet his name isn’t even close to conversations about rep footy.
Australia will name a squad for the World Cup with James Tedesco as captain, Latrell Mitchell as a centre and, potentially, Clint Gutherson as a depth option. Were they fit, they would have certainly found space for Tom Trbojevic, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Kalyn Ponga too.
You could easily make an argument that Edwards, going into his third consecutive Grand Final and favourite for Dally M Fullback of the Year, is the seventh choice for the Kangaroos and sixth for New South Wales.
He might be the only man alive begging for City-Country to come back, so that the former Bellingen-Dorrigo Magpie has a chance at a rep jumper.
“I haven’t thought about it,” he said in the sheds after his side’s 32-12 preliminary final win over South Sydney. “Teddy is the No.1 and I don’t know what the squad looks like. I’ll keep doing my job.
“If it comes it comes, and if it comes, it comes off the back of team success. You can’t do it by yourself. I’m not looking forward to anything like that because I have a job to do next week.”
The modesty belies his position as arguably the form fullback of the comp. The form is now near-permanent, with Edwards picking up the Panthers’ player of the year and consistently churning out metres from the back.
Metres are not everything for a fullback – one suspects Latrell Mitchell doesn’t measure himself as such – but for the way that Edwards plays, they are the best form guide.
Saturday night’s clash was an example. Mitchell managed just 52m from seven carries while Edwards was on 230m off 24. It’s stark.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
But the Panther knows his job is simply to fill a role in a wider system, rather than to break the game open.
“Latrell is a quality player, but we were able to dominate field position and possession in the second half and come away with it,” he said of their battle.
“(Starting sets) is my job. The big boys up the front do all the work in defence and I’ve just got to get behind the ball and get us out of yardage the best I can. Everyone knows their role in the team, that’s my role and I’m expected to do it.
“It’s pretty cliched, but I focus on my role in my team and I don’t really look outside. Obviously I watch the other guys’ games and if they do something I like I might try to fit it in my game somewhere, but I have to focus on what works for me within our team.”
It was a job that looked awfully tough at 12-0 down and time running out in the first half, but Penrith showed all their patience and resolve to score two late tries before the break.
“You’ve just got to keep the head,” he said.
“We knew if we could get one, the tide might turn a little bit. Souths played really well most of the first half and to jag one just before half time probably hurt them a little bit and we gained momentum after that. You go in nil-all and you get to build from there.”
Muzz
Guest
:thumbup:
Greg
Roar Pro
I agree completely that he ticks every other box and Panthers don't need a more skillful fullback with the skill set they have in other positions. He is the absolute perfect fit for that side. I don't believe however he would suit most other clubs. He wouldn't get the same running metres at a lesser club who's weak defence struggles to force a long kick. And he would be found out in other clubs that rely on attacking flair from their fullback. But as a cog in the Panthers machine he is the perfect fullback.
Muzz
Guest
You're a taskmaster, Greg There is no need for him to congest the backline. The Panthers have enough strike and ball playing options. He ticks every other box.
Greg
Roar Pro
I dont. His role is simple. Return kicks, take a hit up, support up the middle. Whilst his running metres are impressive and a good indication on his fitness it doesn't require a whole lot of skill. This can be seen as Caleb Aekins was putting up similar numbers the few times that he filled in there. He is almost absent in all attacking structures beyond simply pushing up the middle or occasionally second receiver on the right side as evidenced by his fewer attacking stats compared to most other fullbacks. I would assume though he is excellent at organising a defensive line given how strong the Panthers are defensively.
Muzz
Guest
I think he's just being humble when he says his role is simple.
matth
Roar Guru
I’d rather live in Mitchell’s country than the one you seem to inhabit.
matth
Roar Guru
I believe I may have done some articles on this recently? Here are best by position Paul Taylor (Eels) Ashley Graham (NQ) Col Bentley (Panthers) Michael Beattie (Dragons) Tom Mooney (Manly) Mitch Healey (Sharks) Michael Neill (Tigers) Bill Peden (Knights) Neil Piccinelli (Steelers) Steve Sharp (Eels) Scott Bolton (NQ) Nathan Brown (Dragons) Todd Payten (Wests) John Plath (Broncos) Michael Speechley (Sharks) Dean Schifilliti (Steelers) Nicho Hynes (Sharks)
Noel
Roar Rookie
#theempiredidnothingwrong
ozziedude
Roar Rookie
What are you on dude, you probably booed Goodsey
Greg
Roar Pro
Best player to never get a rep jumper? I'd very much doubt it. As he himself says he has a fairly simple role in the Panthers side. He does it immaculately, but it is nonetheless a simple role. Having said that I would happily see him in the World Cup squad as the back-up fullback as well as a Wing option. I would certainly have him ahead of Gutherson.
Adam Bagnall
Roar Guru
If everyone is fit Edward is third behind Tedesco and Turbo for the NSW fullback spot. Probably same for Australia. Mitchell showed last night he has a long way to go before being considered an elite fullback.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
No argument here, he cannot do anymore than he is to prove he has what it takes for higher honours.
Tony
Roar Guru
He's a gun---pure and simple!
Tim J
Roar Rookie
I agree Tony… He is in career best form, so this is the time to give him a go on the biggest stage. He is also a great team player and is highly respected by those around him, he would add more cohesion and balance to the Kangaroos.
Redcap
Roar Guru
No, I think our friend here wouldn't be satisfied with anything short of him being a rabid 'proud boy.'
MW
Roar Rookie
I would pick him over Gutho any day of the week. Guthos best games might be better, but he has too many bad ones. Dylan is Mr Consistent.
PeterCtheThird
Guest
A “political activist”. If he was a rabid LNP supporter, would that be OK?
Tony
Roar Guru
Surely he goes to the World Cup. Australia need top level cover for each spine position.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Without being biased, Edwards has been the rock and pillar for the Panthers. Against a strong Bunnies team he really stood up and showed his genuine class, plus off the field he is a great ambassador for the club. He is still underrated by those that count, so all he can do is keep playing the high level that he is.
Enter the Dragoon
Guest
I'm predicting that Mitchell will be a flop for Australia. His attitude towards this country, its flag and anthem is divisive and it appears to be high on his list of priorities, rather than being a well paid footballer. I'd much prefer a proud Australian in the green and gold , rather than a political activist.