Dylan Edwards, the Penrith Panthers fullback, has confidently rejected concerns that his knee injury will affect his performance in the upcoming NRL finals. Edwards has endured considerable scrutiny regarding his right knee, which sidelined him for nearly a month after the State of Origin decider. Despite these challenges, he asserts that his knee is not a major impediment, citing his ability to play through worse conditions in past finals.
Since his return in Round 24, Edwards’ performance has notably declined. He has scored only two tries and his average run meters have dropped significantly. Over the last four games, he has averaged 182 run meters, compared to 232 meters in the four games before his injury. This decline has prompted concerns from analysts like Andrew Johns, who questioned whether the Panthers could secure a championship with a compromised Edwards. Johns, commenting on Channel 9, observed Edwards’ evident struggle, highlighting the heavy strapping on his right leg and his visible discomfort on the field. Johns speculated that Edwards might need surgery after the season, emphasizing the severity of his injury.
Despite these concerns, Edwards remains confident about his readiness for the upcoming match against the Roosters. He reassures fans that his knee is improving each week and maintains that the current pain is manageable, especially when compared to the foot injury he played through during the 2021 season. Edwards acknowledges the discomfort but stresses that all players deal with injuries at this time of year, and he is focused on prioritizing the team’s success.
In addition to Edwards’ situation, the Panthers are bolstered by the return of Nathan Cleary for the qualifying final. Penrith coach Ivan Cleary confirmed that Cleary has met all the necessary requirements to play this weekend. Cleary had been dealing with shoulder instability since the pre-season but is expected to play without the need for pain relief injections. Coach Cleary noted that the plan all along was for Cleary to return this week, and the team is eager to field their strongest lineup. This match will also be significant as it marks only the sixth time this season, and the second since Round 10, that the Panthers will start with their preferred spine.
Overall, while concerns about Edwards’ knee persist, he and the Panthers are preparing for the finals with a sense of optimism, buoyed by the return of key players and a commitment to overcoming their challenges.
