warren smith

The standout moment from Penrith’s 28-12 victory over the Eels last October was undoubtedly Dylan Edwards’ 58th minute try-saving cover tackle on Parramatta centre Bailey Simonsson that prompted instant comparisons with Scott Sattler’s iconic tackle on Todd Byrne in 2003. Both of those efforts sit comfortably amongst the most memorable pieces of play in the history of the Panthers club, with Edwards’ tackle helping him to secure the Clive Churchill medal for an outstanding performance in Penrith’s dominant win.

When Edwards sprinted across the field to intersect with Simonsson and the sideline the score was 22-nil – a more than handy lead, but if the Eels score on that play who knows how the rest of the game plays out.

You only have to go back to the Panthers’ own fast finish against the Storm in the 2020 Grand Final to realise how quickly momentum can shift when a team has nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Ivan Cleary knew what it meant.

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The coach isn’t exactly known for his emotional displays in the coaches box – kisses blown to irate Tigers fans excluded – but there he was, rising out of his seat and pumping his fist like he’d backed the trifecta in the Melbourne Cup, full of joy and admiration for a fullback that rarely gets mentioned when the subject of superstar Number 1’s gets brought up, but one who never leaves anything in the tank in the pursuit of victory.

Success and its effect on the salary cap has seen the Panthers’ ranks raided for the past two years, with more departures coming at the end of the current season.

Dylan Edwards is signed on at Penrith until the end of the 2024 season, but after making it known that he would like to be a Panther for life at the time of his latest contract extension, it would be a surprise if the club doesn’t grant him that wish if his solid form continues.

He has everything you want in a fullback, including a toughness that was hidden from the public during the 2021 Finals campaign when he played through a debilitating foot injury.

If there is to be the potential for a Panthers three-peat in 2023, you can guarantee the unassuming fullback from Dorrigo will be a huge part of another run at the title.