NRL contract news: Dylan Edwards confident of long-term Penrith Panthers extension

Liam O'Loughlin

NRL contract news: Dylan Edwards confident of long-term Penrith Panthers extension image

Dylan Edwards is confident he will remain a one-club player, with the Panthers fullback edging closer to a new long-term deal despite potential interest from rival club.

The 27-year-old has become a vital part of Penrith's success in recent years, wearing the No.1 jumper in both of their grand final victories and taking out the coveted Clive Churchill Medal in the 2022 decider.

Edwards is currently contracted with the Panthers until the end of next year and could become available to NRL rivals on November 1st, but is hopeful of coming to terms with the club prior to the free agency date. 

The club recently extended second-rower Liam Martin on a long-term contract, while the likes of Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo have plenty of time remaining on their deals. 

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Dylan Edwards confident of long-term Panthers contract

Speaking to the media prior to the side's Round 23 clash with Melbourne, Edwards was quizzed on whether he would consider offers from other teams at the back-end of this year. 

"No, not really – this is home," he said.

"It’s all I’ve ever known, coming down here this is the only club I’ve ever been a part of. I’ve grown up with these guys really, since we were 17, seeing their families grow and my family grow together... to be a part of it is really special.  

"You want to have success, you want to be happy playing footy and you want to enjoy who you're playing football with. That’s what we’re hoping for… it’s still in the hands of management and the big dogs here."

Edwards has played over 120 first grade games for the Panthers since making his debut in 2016, with the Albury product first moving to the club as a teenager. 

Penrith are expected to prioritise the extension of Edwards over five-eighth Jarome Luai, who is in the midst of a managerial change and could potentially test the open market in the coming months. 

Penrith Panthers NRL off-contract list

2023 Chris Smith, Eddie Blacker, Tom Jenkins
2024 Dylan Edwards, Jarome Luai, Lindsay Smith, Luke Garner, Matt Eisenhuth, Mitch Kenny, Sunia Turuva, Taylan May, Tyrone Peachey, Daine Laurie*, Zac Hosking
2025 Izack Tago, Mavrik Geyer, Soni Luke
2026 Jack Cole, James Fisher-Harris, Jesse McLean, Scott Sorensen
2027 Brian To'o, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, Moses Leota, Nathan Cleary

 

Liam O'Loughlin

Liam O'Loughlin Photo

Liam has been with The Sporting News since 2019, helping lead both NRL and cricket content, as well as delving into the world of combat sports and NFL. A true rugby league tragic, he has spent the past 20 years playing, coaching and volunteering for his beloved junior club, Penshurst RSL. 

Away from work, Liam has a lifelong passion for all things pro wrestling and has travelled abroad to attend showcase events for WWE, AEW and NJPW.