As the State of Origin period once again reshapes NRL squads across the competition, one player has emerged as the heartbeat of the Penrith Panthers — and according to teammate Lindsay Smith, his influence extends far beyond what fans see on game day.
Speaking ahead of another crucial stretch of the season, Smith delivered glowing praise for Dylan Edwards, highlighting the fullback’s inspirational leadership and the standards he continues to set throughout the club.
While much of the public attention surrounding Penrith often focuses on representative stars such as Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo, Smith believes Edwards has become one of the most influential figures within the Panthers system.
“Dylan leads through actions every single day,” Smith reportedly explained. “The way he trains, prepares, and carries himself sets the standard for everyone around him.”
The praise comes at an important time for Penrith. With several senior players away on State of Origin duties, opportunities are opening up for younger members of the squad to prove themselves at the NRL level. Rather than viewing the representative period as a challenge, Smith sees it as an exciting opportunity for the club’s next generation to develop.
According to the Panthers forward, the environment created by leaders like Edwards is helping young players step into bigger roles with confidence. The fullback’s consistency, professionalism, and relentless work ethic have become a blueprint for emerging talents hoping to establish themselves in first grade.
Penrith’s reputation for developing elite players is one of the major reasons behind the club’s sustained success over recent years. Even when key stars are unavailable, the Panthers have repeatedly demonstrated an ability to remain competitive thanks to the depth and culture built within the organization.
Smith believes this year’s Origin period could once again reveal future stars capable of making a significant impact. Young players now have a chance to gain valuable experience, showcase their abilities, and contribute to the club’s premiership ambitions.
For Edwards, the recognition from teammates reflects the enormous respect he has earned inside the Panthers dressing room. Although often regarded as one of the quieter leaders in the squad, his influence continues to grow with every season.
