Penrith Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards has inked a new two-year contract extension with the club, as the reigning champions battle to keep their premiership team togexjmtzywther.
Edwards’ name was etched into the grand final history books when coach Ivan Cleary revealed he played in the Panthers’ 2021 premiership win with a broken foot.
Despite his injury, Edwards ran for the second-most metres of any player on the field, as the Panthers held on to defeat the South Sydney Rabbitohs 14-12.
On Friday, the club confirmed it had retained Edwards’ services.
“Panthers is the only place I want to be, so I’m pumped to have secured my future here,” Edwards said.
“This club means everything to me. I’ve grown up with this team and the bond we share is something special.
“I believe we’ve still got a lot to achieve as a team, and my family and I are so grateful to be part of that journey.”
Cleary has long heralded Edwards’ contributions to the Panthers as extending beyond the stat sheet, so was delighted to have held onto his fullback.
“Dylan’s character and courage are an asset for our club,” the coach said.
“His attitude and commitment mean his game continues to develop and we firmly believe his best years are still ahead of him.
“He sets an outstanding example, on and off the field, for any young player with aspirations of a career in the NRL.”
The Panthers have already begun to pay the price for their premiership success, with members of their grand final-winning side seeking lucrative contracts elsewhere.
Viliame Kikau and Apisai Koroisau will link up with rival clubs from next season, while
fellow premiership players Matt Burton, Paul Momirovski and Kurt Capewell have already departed.
The Panthers also severed ties with Tyrone May, who played off the bench in the grand final, citing “serious breach of contractual obligations” relating to a social media post made after the premiership victory.
