Iron man Edwards is a rugby league marvel
Dylan Edwards says a win in Sunday’s Pacific Cup final would cap the best year of his career that has seen him win a debut State of Origin series, a premiership and the Kangaroos No.1 jersey, all while battling injuries.
The four-time premiership winner was long considered the most underrated player in the game, but he’s earned all the plaudits in 2024.
He finally made his Blues debut in game two after a quad strain saw him ruled out of the series opener and was unsurprisingly brilliant, named man of the match in the decider at Suncorp Stadium.
He then claimed a fourth premiership ring with Penrith before he beat out a cracking field to be named Kangaroos fullback ahead of James Tedesco, Kalyn Ponga and several other stars.
“I haven’t really had time to reflect on it,” the modest fullback said in camp in Wyong.
“Personally, it’s been a great year. To have team success has been awesome, and that’s why you play the game.
“I think (a win on Sunday would cap the best year of my career).”
Edwards averaged more metres than anyone in the 2024 NRL season despite missing a few games with the quad strain and then with a PCL injury that kept him sidelined for a month after the Origin decider.
He’s been heavily strapped before every game since then and has appeared hobbled at times, but the aches and pains haven’t slowed down the fittest man in rugby league who is desperate to atone for last year’s defeat in the final.
The Kangaroos were embarrassed 30-0 by New Zealand 12 months ago but will face Tonga this time around after they shocked the Kiwis last week.
Edwards is expecting another fast start from Tonga’s big men, with the Kangaroos already beating them last month.
“You don’t want to let your country down and you don’t want to let the jersey down,” he said.
“We didn’t put in the best performance in that final last year and it’s something we don’t want to do again.
“It’s been a long year, but the body is holding up well.
“There’s one game to go and it’s an important game for us. We want to win it, and we want to do well as a team.”