The one Panther who really needed a break

1 week ago 4

One player who would have welcomed the rest more than any other Penrith teammate last weekend was Dylan Edwards.

Edwards has been one of the standout performers for the premiers for several years, is the NSW and Kangaroos’ fullback incumbent, but has struggled under the high ball and with handling errors in the past two games he has played.

Penrith’s Dylan Edwards had a couple of rough weeks before enjoying a break.

There was a loose carry at the start of golden point against the Storm before Harry Grant took full advantage of the field position to score a try.

Then there was another dropped ball, which allowed Canberra’s Ethan Strange to score in regulation time, before the Raiders went on to win the Miracle in Mudgee in golden point.

Edwards made eight errors across the opening 11 games this season, but 10 in his past five games.

The 29-year-old has spoken in the past about the importance of the mental side of the game, and how he started working with high-performance manager Carl Jennings after he lost form in the middle of 2019.

He is a deep thinker, and now practices breathing and mindfulness every day, including every captain’s run, where he finds a quiet spot, shuts his eyes, loses his shoes, and allows himself to be only consumed by what he can hear around him.

Edwards and 13 other Panthers will return for Saturday’s trip to Wollongong against St George Illawarra, with only Brian To’o and Liam Martin to enjoy another week on the sidelines before the start of next week’s finals.

Edwards would love a standout performance against the Dragons and regain some confidence and momentum heading into September as the premiers chase a fifth straight title.

Coach Ivan Cleary said Edwards was one of many players who would benefit from the freshen-up, and this time of year was when the 27-year-old came into his own.

“We thought it would be good for Dyl to have a rest [last week],” Cleary said.

“He’s been good this week, and we’re looking forward to seeing him back in action on Saturday. He’s a key member of our team, he’s played so well in finals over the years. I’m sure he’ll do the same thing this year.

“It’s been a pretty tough second half to the campaign where we were pretty much on a knife’s edge most weeks. You make these decisions [to rest players] based on the situation, and that’s what we did.

“The boys look good this week, but time will tell [if the freshen-up worked].”

To’o won the Brad Fittler Medal on Monday night for being NSW’s best Origin player, and said of Edwards hitting form again: “Not everyone is perfect. I’ve dropped a few balls whenever I play. Dyl is the type of person who faces adversity front-on, and whatever comes his way he’s ready for it. I’m backing my brother.”

The Panthers won just two of their opening eight games before Magic Round, but like all champion sides rallied to put themselves in the premiership picture. They will, however, need to win it from outside the top four this season.