Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards is in career-best form, but don’t talk to him about it.
He’s currently leading the NRL in three statistical categories, but never mention it to him.
‘King Dyl’ is a sensation on NRL Twitter but when you tell him, he looks the other way slightly uncomfortable.
Most players in sport love talking themselves up, but Edwards (in his own words) “hates it” – preferring to focus on his team’s success rather than that of his own.
When asked about his hot start to his seventh season in the NRL, the 2021 Premiership-winner put it all down to his teammates instead.
“Honestly it comes back to the other boys doing the work up front, I just have to repay them by getting out of trouble or just carrying the ball,” Edwards humbly told the Weekender.
While his feats on the field have propelled him into one of the best fullbacks in the game at present, his scores of fans on Twitter can’t stop praising the likeable 26-year-old during every Panthers contest.
Edwards said he wasn’t aware that he was a Twitter trendsetter, or that his nickname was ‘King Dyl’ among fans.
“Nah I didn’t know that… that’s funny, that’s funny,” he said with a pinkish face.
With the defending Premiers undefeated after four rounds and Edwards not particularly up for talking about himself, attention quickly turned to this Sunday night’s grudge match against the Canterbury Bulldogs at CommBank Stadium.
Edwards, who admitted to watching every Bulldogs game so far this season, said he can’t wait to reunite with some former teammates including Matt Burton, Brent Naden and Tevita Pangai Junior.
“I can’t wait to see them, hopefully I can say g’day to them after the game,” he said.
“Like us, I’m expecting them to be up for this game too, they are a good side. I know the score line (44-0 Melbourne) doesn’t show it on the weekend, but there’s a few boys that played here and Baz coached here, so it’s going to be tough.”
Burton was the most high-profile name to leave the Panthers following their Grand Final win last October. Since landing at the struggling Bulldogs this season, the talented Dubbo product has slowly been adjusting to his new teammates and new role as chief playmaker.
“Burto’s been playing really well,” Edwards said.
“He has a monster left boot on him, he’s a good ball runner and he’s doing a great job considering he’s early in his career in the halves.
“We’ve all had the pleasure of playing with him, so I know he’ll be up for it on Sunday.”
Sunday’s game at CommBank Stadium kicks off at 6.15pm.
Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.