Dylan Edwards and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak will go head to head for Penrith’s fullback spot

A fearless Dylan Edwards has thrown himself headfirst into training following a shoulder reconstruction as he prepares to fight off Dallin Watene-Zelezniak for Penrith’s No.1 jumper.

Dylan Edwards dives for a try during Penrith NRL training at Panthers Rugby League Academy, Penrith. Picture: Brett Costello

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A fearless Dylan Edwards has thrown himself headfirst into training following a shoulder reconstruction as he prepares to fight off Dallin Watene-Zelezniak for Penrith’s No.1 jumper.

The pair are set to wage an off-season battle for the fullback spot with both possessing strong claims for the coveted role.

Edwards is on the comeback trail and in full contact training, having been limited to just eight NRL appearances this year after tearing the cartilage in his shoulder.

Edwards missed much of last season with a shoulder injury. Picture by Brett Costello.

In his absence, Watene-Zelezniak made the No.1 his own before taking his game to another level when handed the New Zealand Test captaincy and earning a Golden Boot nomination.

While some players find themselves tentative and nervous coming back from shoulder surgery, Edwards has dived in since getting back on the paddock knowing that his jumper in under threat.

“I was good to go straight up,” Edwards said of his shoulder. “I just thought to myself ‘if it’s going to go, it’s going to go’. I just chucked myself into it and didn’t really worry about it too much.” And it hasn’t gone unnoticed by coach Ivan Cleary, who described the 22-year-old as leading from the front.

Edwards was earmarked as Penrith’s fullback of the future. Picture by Brett Costello.

Edwards has the inside running, standing at fullback during match simulation since the start of the pre-season.

However there will be some telling moments once Watene-Zelezniak returns after Christmas.

“I think we will battle it out,” Edwards said.

“It’s a good little challenge, it just shows the depth of our squad and that’s a strength in this comp.

Watene-Zelezniak blossomed once he moved to fullback. AAP Image/Joel Carrett.

“But I’m looking forward to the challenge. Dallin played really, really good footy for the Kiwis.” Edwards made his first two NRL appearances on the wing however believes he can get the best out of himself at fullback.

And Cleary has laid down the challenge to the pair, urging them to demand the spot.

“They’ll decide that,” he said when asked how he will separate the two. “There’s a few positions that are going to be difficult. It’s a good problem to have and those boys can both play other positions as well.”

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Originally published as Dylan Edwards and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak will go head to head for Penrith’s fullback spot