Penrith coach Ivan Cleary can’t see a world in which Dylan Edwards isn’t first choice New South Wales fullback for State of Origin, saying he’s done nothing to loosen his hold on the Blues’ No.1 jersey.
NSW mentor Laurie Daley is facing an increasingly difficult conundrum to decide who will fill the role after next weekend’s Magic Round. The contest is willing, with the incumbent Edwards and Sydney Roosters star and reigning Dally M Medallist James Tedesco lighting up the NRL each week.
With Origin starting on May 27, Edwards again outlined why he should stay the starting fullback on Sunday, recording a mammoth 238 run metres along with eight tackle busts in the Panthers’ 30-18 victory against Canberra. But his rival Tedesco was also typically inspirational for the Roosters against Gold Coast last Friday, when he scored two tries, set up Rob Toia for the Roosters’ opening four-pointer, and chalked up 227m.
Despite Tedesco’s glittering form, Cleary insists Edwards is the right choice, saying his performance in Canberra was outstanding.
“It’s a good problem. Dylan is in incredible form, and I’ve seen him play at his best, and he’s pretty close to it,” Cleary said. “If we’re talking about taking Dylan Edwards out of the Origin team, then geez, it must be going well. I’ll just say that. Teddy is playing incredibly; he always has, but there was a decision made for Dylan to come in, in place of him, and since then, he hasn’t done much wrong.”
Tedesco lost the starting fullback jersey in 2024 when then coach Michael Maguire opted for Edwards in light of his consistent form and role in Penrith’s premiership success. However, Tedesco played in the series opener after Edwards was injured, before the Panthers star resumed duties in game two.
Cleary says Edwards was instrumental in helping NSW win that series - when he was awarded man of the match in game three - before putting in another solid performance last year. Edwards did endure a slump in form in the back end of 2025 for Penrith, though.
“He came off the back of shoulder surgery (in late 2024), so I probably pushed him too early, and he struggled a bit,” Cleary said of Edwards. “He still ended up playing in a prelim. He was a huge part of our team and made the Australian team. He’s been one of our best three players every week. Have I talked him up enough?”
NSW halfback Nathan Cleary also agreed Edwards should start in the NSW No.1 jersey, saying that every week he had no doubt the fullback would be a vital contributor to the Penrith cause.
