Dylan Edwards turns heat on James Tedesco in huge Origin statement for Panthers in NRL

Dylan Edwards has ramped up the pressure on incumbent NSW fullback James Tedesco, with another emphatic State of Origin statement for the Penrith Panthers in the NRL. Edwards was electric for the three-time defending premiers as they put on a second half masterclass to overrun the injury-ravaged Rabbitohs 42-12 at Accor Stadium on Thursday night.

Edwards' impressive performance included 200 run metres, two line breaks, six tackle busts and a perfect seven from seven conversions with the boot. But it was the gun fullback's try assist for Taylan May that really stood out, with Edwards showing the sort of game awareness and execution that has many fans clamouring for his selection in the NSW Origin side.

The Penrith No.1 watched as a Cody Walker kick to the Panthers' in-goal bounced and rolled over the dead-ball line, at which point Edwards quickly grabbed the footy and set off down-field. The Rabbitohs were clearly tiring and Edwards ruthlessly exploited their lack of urgency, racing to the 20m line for a quick tap before delivering a sumptuous pass for May to run the length of the field for a try.

The Rabbitohs were bravely hanging in at 24-12 down at the time, but Edwards' vision broke the game right open and helped the Panthers jump out to an 18-point lead. Edwards upstaged Tedesco when the two sides met in round four, and his consistency and ability to step up for Penrith in the absence of injured halfback Nathan Cleary, has left fans insisting Blues coach Michael Maguire has to pick him over Tedesco in this year's origin series.

Edwards already has three NRL premierships to his name to go with the 2022 Clive Churchill Medal as the best player in that season's grand final. He made his Test debut last year and played in three games for the Kangaroos during the Pacific Championships but is yet to represent his state.

Liam Martin says Dylan Edwards 'deserves' NSW Origin spot

Panthers teammate Liam Martin - himself a Kangaroos and Blues rep player - says Edwards "deserves a crack" at Origin level. “He is the sort of player that will go above and beyond and will do whatever it takes for the team,” Martin told panthers.com.au.

“Knowing that he has your back makes you want to work harder for him. And I think that’s the type of player that suits Origin." Edwards has been averaging comfortably more than 200 run metres per game in 2024 and his defensive abilities are just as valuable as his attacking output, with Martin convinced he's ready for an Origin debut for NSW.

RELATED:

• Souths in subtle dig at Demetriou amid coaching call on Wayne Bennett

• Rabbitohs boss grilled in fresh fallout as Sam Burgess detail called out

• Nicho Hynes in brutal admission about State of Origin flop

“This year he has gone up another level,” Martin said. “In the first few rounds, he has been our best player week in and week out. I reckon he deserves a crack.” Edwards' form certainly presents Maguire with one of the biggest dilemmas ahead of his first Origin series as Blues coach and it would take a brave man to leave incumbent fullback and NSW captain Tedesco out.

New South Wales fans were calling for a new fullback after Tedesco endured a brutal Game I in the sky blue jersey in 2023. His series didn't get much better after the Maroons won their second straight series. But the Roosters superstar has been in superb form for much of the current season, making the momentous decision facing Maguire that much more difficult.