Former Dorrigo resident Dylan Edwards has cemented his spot in the Penrith Panthers’ NRL first grade side but the 21-year-old isn’t taking anything for granted.
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“I feel comfortable in first grade but I’m not relaxed and thinking I will be selected each week,” Edwards told the Bellingen Shire Courier-Sun.
“I need to keep performing otherwise someone else will come along and take my spot.”
It is a step up on the fullback’s pre-season goal of playing consistent footy for the Panthers reserve grade side.
Edwards has played an important role in the Panthers’ six game winning streak as they charged into the top eight.
He earned his first man of the match honours in the Panthers 16-8 defeat of the Bulldogs three weeks ago.
The Bellingen-Dorrigo Magpies junior played five-eighth coming through the ranks but believes his transition to the number one jersey has been made easier due to the experience within the club.
“Matt Moylan is always there to help me and is more than happy to answer any questions I have,” Edwards said.
Moylan moved from fullback to five-eighth to replace the injured Bryce Cartwright which made room for Edwards to slot into the starting side and the backline adjustment instigated a run of five wins from the Panthers’ seven matches since the change.
It has lifted the Western Suburbs side into equal sixth position on the ladder and Edwards is expecting to play finals footy and have a shot at the premiership this year.
“We are just taking it week by week but our goal is to play in the finals,” Edwards said.
“Everyone in the eight has a chance of winning and we want to be there on October 1 (playing in the NRL grand final).”
The Panthers are in a position to contest for a top-four spot which would increase their chances of winning the premiership.
Edwards isn’t a stranger to tasting premiership success. He led the Magpies to a grand final victory in the Under 10s and was a part of the Panthers 2015 NYC premiership winning team.
“I loved the time I spent playing for the Magpies. It is a great club, I have great mates from there and they all helped me get to where I am now,” Edwards said.
The Panthers are on the road against the Canberra Raiders this Sunday at 2pm.
