If you were looking for a microcosm of this weekend’s Grand Final, you could do a lot worse than turn to the two blokes in the number one jumpers, Dylan Edwards and Reece Walsh.
Much as it’s a joke about Edwards that he’s the most rated underrated player in the game, there is a kernel of truth in there. He’s never once given he slighted inkling that he cares remotely about his ratedness or otherwise.
He’s a country boy, quiet as they come, very happy to avoid the spotlight and let just about anybody else take the media duties. Lucky for him, the likes of Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai make enough headlines for everyone.
Even a year on, it’s hard to remember that he’s the reigning Clive Churchill Medallist. He’s third favourite this year, too, shared with Broncos talisman Adam Reynolds but behind Cleary – the standout favourite – and his opposite number, Walsh.
Going into Sunday’s Grand Final, the battle between Edwards and Walsh could define the game itself, with the fullbacks likely to be among the most influential figures in deciding who takes home the Premiership.
That might not be through their own actions – though, given the talent on show, it could well be – but rather because they will give the best possible read on which team is best imposing their style.
Edwards is all yardage and set starts, minimising errors and building pressure. If he gets his way, it’ll be Penrith’s kind of game, and they might well suffocate the Broncos like they have so many other sides in the last four years.
Walsh is perhaps the flashiest player in the NRL, the most creative fullback around, and central to how Brisbane attack. When they play well, he has a hand in everything.
Statistically, they are two ends of a spectrum. Edwards dominates in yardage, both total runs, run metres and kick return metres, with a much faster play the ball to boot.
Walsh is more about the other end of the sets, with a huge advantage in line break assists and try assists – not least because of his kicking prowess.
Defensively, they are almost a dead heat. Walsh’s tackling is much poorer, but under the high ball – where fullbacks are judged – they defuse bombs at almost exactly the same rate.
Reece Walsh. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
The Brisbane fullback makes far more errors, though that is a function of his role in creating chances within the Broncos’ system, something that Edwards himself identified as a major strength in his game.
Speaking to The Roar, Edwards had nothing but kind words about his opponent, but added that he had no envy for Walsh, or desire to show any flash in his game.
“Not at all!” he joked.
“I’m happy with my role in the team, well happy with it, and that’s his role in his team and he executes it well.
“He’s impressive. You just have to see what he did at the weekend. He has that ability to flush errors which is pretty cool.
“The opportunities that he creates for people with his speed and his ability to find the right pass is pretty impressive, for such a young fella too.”
Edwards knew how vital their two performances could be, and back his side to keep it tight.
“Hopefully it’s a good quality game, lots of completions and ball in play, then let the footy take over,” said the fullback.
“Both teams play pretty gritty and we’ll see who goes better on the day.
“They’re a pretty good defensive team as well, that doesn’t get enough credit. But it’s a good match-up regardless, there’s that across the park.
“You can’t treat it like a normal game, it’s definitely bigger than that, but as far as my individual performance, I’m not worried about that.
“I want to do my job for the team and nail my role.”
He certainly nailed his role last year and was rewarded by the Clive Churchill Medal, but added that his team’s advantage in big game experience was likely overrated.
“It’ll be nice if it works out like that,” said Edwards. “But in saying that, they’ve got internationals and Origin players.
“You could look across the park and if they haven’t played Origin they’ve played international footy, so the big stage won’t phase them.”
Outrageous from the Broncos skipper on 'a wooden leg!'
The Wests Tigers threw the ball around like it was a grenade with the final kick sitting up perfectly for Charlie Staines to collect…
It was already going horrendously for Benji Marshall and the Tigers, 22-0 down at the hour mark, when their captain walked off the field.…
Samuela Fainu thought he pulled off a great tackle on Corey Oates, the problem was he was running for a quick restart, instead, he…
Api Koroisau thought he slammed the ball down for a try but on review, the bunker said there was separation and ruled no try.…
Deine Mariner had a shocker dropping the last pass with the line open, but he made up for it moments later with a diving…
