The Penrith Panthers have confirmed that 2022 Clive Churchill Medal winner and fullback Dylan Edwards has re-signed for a further fours season with the club.
Already contracted for next season, the new deal will see him remain at the club until at least the end of the 2028 season. According to the Herald, the contract extension will see him earn roughly $3.4 million over the next four seasons beginning in 2025.
The reigning Clive Churchill Medalist becomes the twelfth player that the Panthers have re-signed this year, following the likes of Moses Leota (2027), Liam Martin (2027), Brian To'o (2027) and Isaah Yeo (2027). The new extension makes him have the longest contract on the club's roster and will end the same year as coach Ivan Cleary.
Edwards becomes only the ninth player in the NRL who is contracted until at least the end of the 2028 season. The others include Origin stars Patrick Carrigan (2028), Tom Gilbert (2028), and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (2033), as well as playmakers Mitchell Moses (2028), Dylan Brown (2031) and Nicho Hynes (2029) and Rabbitohs duo Tevita Tatola (2028) and Cameron Murray (2028).
“Re-signing with the club is huge for me and my family. I'm really grateful that this club gave me my debut and then for them to show faith in me to be able to extend my stay here – which is really pleasing and I'm looking forward to it,” Edwards said.
“I want to have so much success with this club. We've played a lot of footy together and the future looks really exciting with the people that we've got here. I'm excited to be a part of it.”
A former Junior Kangaroo, Edwards has progressed through the club's ranks since the age of 16 when he first joined the club in 2012. Since then, he has amassed 127 NRL games and 170 points since making his debut in 2016.
A key member of the Panthers' back-to-back NRL premierships, he has also earned awards such as the Ben Alexander Rookie of the Year (2017). John Farragher Award (2021), Merv Cartwright Medal (2022) and Clive Churchill Medal (2022).
"I'm super happy to have Dyl locked in for another four seasons,” Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary said.
“He's an integral part of the team – not just through how he plays the game, but also his leadership and how he helps to connect the rest of the boys.
“Dyl belongs here at Panthers. He has spent a lot of time playing with the core of our team and I am excited for what he and the team can achieve in the coming years.”
“Amongst constant media speculation, Dylan and his management have been extremely professional in the way they've conducted negotiations, and it's great to have the deal finalised,” Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron said echoing Cleary's words.
“Dylan embodies the qualities we value at our club seen through his hard work, courage and determination, as well as his reliability.”
“On behalf of all at the club, we are proud to call Dylan a Panther and pleased to see him remain at the club until the end of 2028.”
