Panthers’ Edwards Roars Back to Form in Dominant Season Opener
Dylan Edwards delivered a commanding performance as the Penrith Panthers shut out the Brisbane Broncos 26-0 in Round 1, avenging last year’s preliminary final defeat. The victory marked the Panthers’ biggest Round 1 win against a defending premier since 1988.
From Sub-Par to Superstar: Edwards’ Resurgence
After a challenging 2025 season that saw him lose his spot in the Kangaroos jersey to Reece Walsh, Edwards showcased a renewed passion and commitment. He ran for a game-high 260 metres, scored a try and played a crucial role in the Panthers’ impenetrable defence.
“I finished the year sub-par, lost a bit of passion throughout last year as well, so I wanted to have a fine pre-season and play well this year,” Edwards said post-match. He acknowledged there’s still function to be done, stating, “I still have plenty to work on… Far from the complete performance.”
Cleary and Yeo: The Pillars of Edwards’ Success
The strong connection between Edwards and his co-captains, Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo, was highlighted as a key factor in his return to form. Cleary provided the last pass for Edwards’ try, underscoring their seamless partnership.
“Everyone knows within the club just how much of a freak he is, how reliable he is. I love having him as my fullback,” Cleary commented. “Every time I take the field with him I have the utmost trust he is going to be putting his body on the line and putting in 100 percent effort.”
Edwards emphasized the importance of their off-field relationship, stating, “They’re world class players and we’re close off the field as well, I think that helps. We’re a good, connected group and we enjoy each other’s company, so that helps when you move out in the field and you’re in the heat of battle. You can lean on each other and rely on each other.”
Panthers Focused on a Strong Start in 2026
Despite the satisfying victory over the reigning premiers, Edwards stressed the team’s focus is on avoiding a slow start to the season, a challenge they faced in 2025. “We didn’t finish (2025) the way we wanted, so that obviously creates hunger, but it’s a new campaign and we’re going up there to put our game on—we’ll be worrying more about us than worrying about the Broncos,” he explained.
FAQ
Q: How many metres did Dylan Edwards run for in the game against the Broncos?
A: Dylan Edwards ran for a game-high 260 metres.
Q: What was the final score of the Panthers vs. Broncos match?
A: The Penrith Panthers defeated the Brisbane Broncos 26-0.
Q: Who provided the assist for Dylan Edwards’ try?
A: Nathan Cleary provided the last pass for Edwards’ try.
Q: What did Edwards say about his performance in 2025?
A: Edwards described his 2025 performance as “sub-par” and admitted to losing some passion for the game.
Did you know? This win was the Panthers’ largest against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.
Pro Tip: A strong team connection, like the one between Edwards, Cleary, and Yeo, is often a key ingredient for success in team sports.
What are your thoughts on the Panthers’ dominant performance? Share your opinions in the comments below!
Worth a look