Dylan Edwards’ try saver in grand final was more a reward for effort than a miracle

Dylan Edwards’ try saving tackle in the 2024 NRL grand final may appear to be a miracle to many, but the Penrith fullback explains it was just the perfect execution of a move he had practised over and over at training.

It was Penrith’s own hand of god moment - and it sent them to heavenly places.

Panthers star Dylan Edwards has opened up about the controversial moment from last week’s grand final, when he saved a certain try from Melbourne centre Jack Howarth. 

Social media continues to be divided over the bunker’s decision to uphold referee Ashley Klein’s call that Howarth had been held up over the line last Sunday night.

Edwards was the first to make contact with the Storm rookie, whose own arm was proved to be caught under the ball as he fought to plant it over the line.

However Edwards also had his hand wrapped under the Steeden, an effort he desperately made clear to Klein before the whistleblower sent his opinion to the video referee.

Storm's Jack Howarth was denied a try in the NRL Grand Final. Picture: Channel 9

“I thought I was under him enough. I was pretty confident,” Edwards said.

“That’s why I was trying to tell the ref that I’ve got him because I understand that if it goes up try, or if it goes up no try, it’s hard to overturn because there’s so many bodies involved.

“But I always thought I was under the ball.”

Social media furore prompted the NRL to defend the bunker’s verdict post-game, with footage being released showing Howarth’s arm between the ball and the turf.

“I seen there was some footage that come out later which was pretty smart by the NRL to release definitive footage,” Edwards said.

It’s not the first time Edwards has produced a defensive highlight in a decider, having also stopped Parramatta winger Bailey Simonsson with a cover tackle in their 2022 title.

He was later awarded the Clive Churchill medal.

“It’s just training drills and stuff we do to put yourself in a position to be able to make those things, it’s reps and reps and reps on the field,” Edwards said.

“And those sort of things come out on the big stage.”

After a week of celebrations, Edwards will be one of 12 Panthers players that will represent their heritage over the next few weeks.

Having made his Kangaroos debut as a winger last year, the 28-year-old is set to be the first-choice fullback for coach Mal Meninga following the omission of James Tedesco.

“We’ve all enjoyed each other’s company had a good time, but really excited to get into camp and get amongst the boys and hopefully put in a good performance,” Edwards said.

“It’s nice to be able to play in your preferred position in a representative team like that.”

Originally published as Dylan Edwards’ try saver in grand final was more a reward for effort than a miracle