Dylan Edwards’ Return Raises Concerns Over NSW Spot
Penrith Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards made his long-awaited return on Thursday night after missing several games with a groin injury. Fans were hopeful his comeback would boost the struggling Panthers, but troubling signs during the match may hint at the uphill battle he faces to hold onto his New South Wales Origin jersey.
Penrith fell to a heavy 30-12 defeat against the Dolphins, with Nathan Cleary struggling to lead a misfiring Panthers side. The loss leaves the reigning champions at 1-5 for the season—far from the title-contending form fans are used to.
Edwards, a vital part of the Panthers’ spine, returned after three weeks out, but his performance did little to spark their attack. The team looked disjointed early, and Edwards didn’t appear fully fit, showing discomfort when sprinting and struggling to reach top speed.
One particularly concerning moment came in the final minute. After a late grubber from Cleary, most Panthers players failed to chase, allowing Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to exploit a broken line. Edwards was in position to cover the break but made a half-hearted attempt to accelerate, allowing the Dolphins speedster to race by untouched.
While Edwards is back on the field, his form has noticeably dipped since the end of last season, when he played through injury during the finals and for Australia. His sharpness hasn’t returned since his standout Origin series last year, and with Penrith battling early-season woes, they’ll need him firing on all cylinders if they hope to mount a comeback.
Edwards Responds to Fitness Concerns
After the match, Edwards dismissed suggestions he wasn’t fit, explaining on Channel 9:
“The groin is good, the body is good. I’m just lacking a bit of match fitness. Give me a few games, and I’ll be back to my best.” He also admitted it was tough watching his team struggle from the sidelines and is eager to help turn things around.
However, with Origin approaching, competition for the NSW fullback role is heating up. Ryan Papenhuyzen has hit the ground running with five tries in four games for Melbourne, and James Tedesco continues to shine for a struggling Roosters side. Some, like Andrew Voss, even suggest Tedesco could be shifted to the wing due to injury concerns in the Blues backline.
Coach Laurie Daley will soon have a tough decision to make. While Edwards looked like a sure pick after last year’s Origin success, his current form and fitness raise questions about whether he can keep his spot in the NSW No.1 jersey.
