Dylan Edwards speaks to the media on Wednesday. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Every rugby league career has an expiry date. No matter how good you are or how many premierships you’ve collected along the way, eventually it’ll be time for you to hang up the boots and move on.

For Penrith’s Dylan Edwards, he knows how the rugby league cycle works. But champions never go down without a fight and that’s why the 30-year-old, with more than 170 games to his name, is ready to take his game to another level as local whippersnappers like Jaxen Edgar hunt his jersey.

Speaking with the Weekender this week, Edwards said he’s “feeling good and excited” ahead of his 11th season in the NRL and that competition for spots is healthy at any footy club.

“You know someone is nipping at your heels the whole time regardless of where you are or what position you’re playing,” he said.

Dylan Edwards. Photo: Melinda Jane.

“There’s quite a bit of youth in this squad, which is good, and everyone is just driving each other every day, so that’s hopefully going to steel us before the season.”

On the topic of 20-year-old Edgar, who made his NRL debut late last year, Edwards was full of praise for the South Penrith local, declaring he’s going to be “one to watch” in the future.

“He’s full of energy. He’s got immense talent. He’s super fit,” Edwards said.

“I’ve been helping him with little nuances to his game, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. I think he’s got all the attacking flair already and he’s definitely becoming a better defender too.”

Rising star Jaxen Edgar.

Despite other players breathing down his neck, Ivan Cleary has named Edwards at fullback for Friday night’s revenge match against the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.

Edwards said he’s looking forward to facing the Premiers first up and that the side has taken plenty of lessons out of the loss to them in September last year.

“We had to address some things that we missed in the Prelim. We’ve watched back certain pieces where we’ve definitely missed the mark and it gives you food for thought,” he admitted.

“It just drives home what the coach has been trying to tell us over the off-season.”

Dylan Edwards. Photo: NRL Images.

Friday night’s game at Suncorp Stadium will also be a reunion of sorts, with Edwards battling his opposite number in Reece Walsh for the first time since the pair toured England for The Ashes.

Edwards said he enjoyed his experienced in the UK despite not getting any playing time with the Kangaroos.

“It was exciting being part of that Ashes Tour and then my family came over and we were able to do a little bit of a holiday in Europe afterwards,” he said.

“Our job [as Emus], when you find out you’re not playing, is just to prepare the actual side the best you can and I think the coaches were happy with how we prepared the team, which is a bonus.”

Dylan Edwards parties in the sheds after the 2023 Grand Final. Photo: NRL Images.

And as for what Edwards thought of Walsh during their month together on the road in chilly England?

“I just think whatever he does in the game he doesn’t live in that moment – whether it’s good or bad. He just plays each play as it comes and that’s a special skill to have,” Edwards said.

“Reece can turn the game on its head in the blink of an eye. He’s a special player to watch that’s for sure.”

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.