Unwanted Penrith fullback Dylan Edwards could be let go by the club following their disappointing start to the season, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Edwards was the No.1 first-choice going into the year, with the fullback contracted until the end of 2021, showing great confidence in Edwards as the club also had Kiwi custodian and captain Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
However, in a difficult start to the season, the 23-year-old had to endure being falsely identified in a sex saga video, being shifted from fullback to the wing and then ultimately dropped to the reserve grade.
Caleb Aitkens is now the favoured fullback in the eyes of coach Ivan Cleary as the Panthers have allowed Edwards to explore new opportunities elsewhere, despite having two years left on his contract, writes Sydney Morning Herald.
The Cowboys, who don't have a settled fullback, are a potential destination for Edwards as they were forced to tear up Ben Barba's contract prior to the season starting as well as losing the ability to land Holmes as he signed with the New York Jets in the NFL.
North Queensland coach Paul Green was confident in Te Maire Martin at fullback but has left the field indefinitely due to bleeding in the brain, providing opportunity for Edwards.
Gold Coast is proves to be another option with veteran Michael Gordon off contract and nearing the end of his career. It's understood that both Queensland clubs are interested in Edwards, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Although not in their best side, Edwards is still putting his best foot forward for the Panthers. He was handed the captaincy of Penrith's Canterbury Cup team and was named Man of the Match in the upset victory against the undefeated Mounties side.
"It was a good win on the weekend, we had a few boys out," Edwards told the Panthers website.
"Everyone who showed up on the day just turned up and did their job and really competed for the 80. We were lucky to get away with the win."
Hame Sele, Tyrell Fuimaono and Jarome Luai were noticeable outs, leaving the captaincy to Edwards.
"That was good, I didn't mind the job," he said.
"The regular leaders were out of the game, so the guys told me I would be captain.
"I just tried to lead the boys out and hope for a good result. That's what we got."
I really rate Dylan he just had it hard at Penrith. The Panthers are in win now mode and needed to start the season strong considering it’s off feild issues (coach, sex tapes) and there was so much competition at fullback. He had a couple games were he made errors and was dropped and it looks like he wasn’t supported well and his confidence wasn’t there so a move away will be good for him.
He would make a good fit or either the Cowboys or the Titans. Could also see him ending up in Parra if Gutho take to long to accept the deal on offer. He plays pretty similar to Gutho but obviously hasn’t shown all his ability nor does he have the fans Gutho has, but Parra have given him their last offer and even that is a risky contract. Edwards would be a lot cheaper and wouldn’t have the injury risk of Gutho.
Side note: if the Panthers let Edwards go and they also released Tyrone Phillips not so long ago they might have abit of money to use. Maybe James Seggy could be a handy pick up. He definitely sparks a good attack and can make metres out of dummy half. Not that the Panthers young hoookers are bad he would just be someone they could get for the rest of the year and have a lot of success with
tbh I have never really rated him at top flight. He seems to be one of those players who is good at most things but not great at anything also rocks and diamonds defensively(like all fullbacks). Seems to lack explosiveness to make line breaks or consistently making the right pass which at fullback which you need 1 or both of those things, which seems to be the same problem with Aitkens aswell. Panthers should just shift Dallin Watene-Zelezniak to fullback and then if selling off Edwards free’s up enough cash sign back merrin or by a centre for the vacant right side.
Shame to see. Before injuring his shoulder last year he was in great touch. Unfortunately this year he has returned low on confidence. That seems to be fairly typical for the whole Panthers squad though. Hopefully he can re find form with another club.
Hmm I do know what you mean about his defense and about most fullbacks defense. But I think he will prove you wrong if given the opportunity with his elusiveness and good running game.
I do agree they should put DWZ at the back and have it look like
1. DWZ
2. Mansour
3. Whare
4. Blake
5. MWZ
And once Edwards frees up some cap space I’d suggest signing a back up outside back and signing a back up second rower. Plus a cheap hooker. Yeo and Kikau are now both injured and injuries at Penrith seem to be a regular thing so more depth would be good. Someone like Gideon Gela-Mosby and Robbie Rochow. And if you can throw James Seggy a cheap deal
What the hell are you on about?
Sege will be turning out as Brisbane’s first grade hooker this coming weekend.
Edwards was the best player for backing up last year before injury. Also the best player for back up metres made. He was also coming along well with setting up plays out wide.
Since coming back from injury he’s unfortunately made error after error at fullback & on the wing. Was given quite a few chances to improve that.
Aetkins has proven to be a very good fullback in ISP & Canterbury Cup. Excellent with metres made per game, making breaks , setting up others. Even excelled in a game at 5/8th, with aan of the match performance there.
Don’t think you can judge him on just a few games in first grade. As can’t Warriors guy. Let him settle into & improve in the position.
As for your backline line up?
I think it’s miles off the mark.
Josh Mansour, was a mistake to re-sign him. He’s finished as a first grader & is too slow, mistake ridden .
Whare is too slow & should be given the shove at the end of the year.
Luai is the best half. He should be half, Cleary 5/8th. Just as they were through the junior grades.
Brian Too is an excellent player. Should be on the wing & stay there or centre.
Players such as Matheson Johns & the McGrady Brothers, should be given chances in the back line in the near future.
As its time for a rebuild.
That’s if they choose to go the cheaper option , not buy & stick to up & coming players.
While I’m there.
Penrith’s next lock should be Saun Blore. He captained the young NSW team last year. Was captain of two junior premiership winning teams.
I like Martin. He’s a real worker & should stay in the first grade squad.
I predicted Brian Too would make first grade , before this season started. He will this coming weekend.
Hope my other prediction of Saun Blore makes it soon.
The Hooker? Get rid of Katoa, don’t re-sign him. The position is up for grabs for any up & comer who has some better skills & speed.