Dylan Edwards tackle tells you everything you need to know about Panthers

He’s far from the first name you think of at the Penrith Panthers but Dylan Edwards is a massive reason why the side are defending premiers.

The Panthers are on fire. Photo by Matt King/Getty Images

It’s just four rounds into the NRL season but already it’s unclear whether anyone will be able to beat the Penrith Panthers.

In the grand final rematch in front of a packed BluBet Stadium, the Panthers put on a masterclass, beating the South Sydney Rabbitohs 26-12.

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The only undefeated team in the NRL just got stronger as well as Nathan Cleary’s return went to plan after shoulder surgery in the off-season.

Although his goalkicking was off, Cleary was back in good form, while Isaah Yeo, who has been man of the match in the first three Panthers matches, had another blinder, running 19 times for 172m and making 41 tackles in another supreme performance.

But while the Panthers controlled much of the game and led from the second minute, it was a moment in the 77th minute of the match from one of the side’s unsung heroes that showed just why the Panthers are how they are.

In a league packed with talented backs and in a team of superstars, Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards doesn’t get the plaudits of other No. 1 despite putting everything into his performance.

Edwards was one of only two players alongside teammate Taylan May to run over 200m for the match as he ate up 289m in a stunning display.

But with three minutes remaining, the Rabbitohs had a scrum from their own 10m and went wide to tryscoring speedster Alex Johnston who took off.

Johnson was slowed slightly by a desperate ankle tap attempt from Nathan Cleary but Edwards, who was running from the back of the Panthers’ scrum, chased the Rabbitohs flyer down and tackled him into touch.

Dylan Edwards brought back Scott Sattler. Photo: Fox League

Fox League’s Dan Ginnane said: “Not quite into Scotty Sattler territory but that was a wonderful chase from the two Panthers.”

Michael Ennis added: “Every time we talk about the Panthers, we’re talking Cleary, we’re talking Luai, we’re taking Crichton, yet at the back end of the season, they can’t do what they did last year without this man (Edwards).

“He was exceptional for them and moments like these happen so often around him. He is the ultimate competition and his game’s gone to another level.

“He’s been the best player on the ground tonight and that moment just summed it up. 26-12, does it matter if Souths score? Not really, but to him it did. To him it did for his teammates and you saw how they responded.”

On Channel 9, the commentators were equally stunned by the moment.

“Oh was that Scott Sattler or was that Dylan Edwards?” Andrew Johns said. “I think he’s been the best on the field tonight Dylan Edwards.”

“Brilliant tackle, great cover defending fullback tackle,” Paul Vautin added.

“He comes out of the back of the scrum, it’s not like he was back there, he’s come out of the back of the scrum and that is terrific. And this guy’s a speedster, he can go man. And Dylan Edwards, great ball and all tackle.”

We see you Dylan Edwards! Photo by Matt King/Getty Images

In his post-match press conference, Ivan Cleary praised the likes of his son Nathan and Yeo, but when asked if Edwards was the best on ground, he had nothing but glowing words for the fullback.

“Dyl’s always close to it (being our best), he’s having an outstanding year,” Cleary said. “That last play he did on Alex Johnston there, that sort of summed up where he’s at at the moment.

“He’s had a really good pre-season and the one thing about Dyl Edwards is when he plays, he’s always close to being in your top three when he’s in good form and that’s where he’s at at the moment.”

Originally published as Dylan Edwards tackle tells you everything you need to know about Panthers