Dylan Edwards, recently crowned as the Blues’ No.1 jumper, finds himself in a fierce competition for the position with Manly’s explosive Tom Trbojevic, as new New South Wales coach Laurie Daley prepares for selection ahead of the State of Origin opener in May.
Edwards made his debut for the Blues last year after a surprising move by then-coach Michael Maguire, who dropped James Tedesco. An injury to Edwards meant Tedesco played in Game 1, leading to a loss against Queensland. However, Edwards bounced back to help NSW clinch the series in the subsequent matches, affirming his place in the Origin arena.
Since then, Edwards has continued to shine with the Penrith Panthers, securing a fourth NRL premiership. Nonetheless, the spotlight now shifts to Trbojevic, whose recent performance against North Queensland has garnered attention and admiration from NSW legend Andrew Johns. He believes Trbojevic has the potential to unseat Edwards, stating that if fit, Trbojevic should play at fullback, emphasising his extraordinary talent.
Johns lamented Trbojevic’s limited use in the fullback role for NSW, noting that he is a pivotal player who could substantially impact the game. He suggested that if Trbojevic reaches top form, he represents a rare talent that could reshape the Blues’ strategy. Current setup features Edwards as the incumbent, having previously taken over from Tedesco.
Both players have their strengths, but Trbojevic’s capacity to influence the game significantly puts him in a strong position. Former Blues coach Phil Gould echoed this sentiment, acknowledging Edwards’ achievements but arguing that it would be a loss if Trbojevic didn’t have the opportunity to play fullback for NSW.
The stage is set for a decisive showdown as Edwards and Trbojevic prepare to face off on April 26, a match that could be crucial in determining who continues to don the No.1 jersey for the Blues. With the stakes high and talent abundant, the competition for the fullback role remains intense.