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'I love him. I actually love him': Why Dylan Edwards sums up Penrith's relentless rise

Let the word go forth from this time and place – nobody, anywhere can ever call Dylan Edwards underrated again.

After winning the Clive Churchill Medal to cap off a brilliant season where he also won Penrith's player of the year award, everybody knows exactly how good a player Edwards has become.

The stats from Penrith's 28-12 victory speak for themselves — 28 runs for 291 metres, one line break, three line break assists, one try assist and nine tackle busts.

Throw in a remarkable try-saving tackle on Bailey Simonsson and Edwards had a terrific night's work in the Panthers grand final triumph.

The hard-working fullback isn't one for talking about himself, let alone talking himself up, but his teammates are more than happy to do the job for him.

"He's everywhere all the time. He's the most reliable guy I've ever played with, honestly, just in terms of him always being there and knowing you can count on him, it's incredible," said hooker Api Koroisau.

"It doesn't matter how tired he is – I don't think he gets tired, he's just always zipping around and he never misses an assignment.

"I wish him all the best, he deserved that Clive (Churchill Medal) for sure.

"It (the tackle) was so awesome. We knew we were in the lead but we still didn't want to let anything in and to see him make that tackle, the old Scotty Sattler, it was incredible.

"He's done a few of those. I love him. I actually love him."

Edwards is no stranger to grand final heroics – he was one of Penrith's best in their victory over South Sydney last year when he battled through the pain of a broken foot.

This time, at full fitness, Edwards rose to the occasion and then some in one of the best performances of his career.

Penrith locals go-off as Panthers win the NRL Grand Final

All the hallmarks of his game were there – he carried the ball often and well, marshalled Penrith's defence from the back and personified the Panthers' relentlessness as the club claimed their fourth title in dominant fashion.

For Brian To'o, who sees Edwards' work up close and personal as part of the club's powerhouse back three, the reason behind the Bellingen man's rise is simple.

"He's the GOAT (greatest of all time) and he's half-Samoan. That's all I'm gonna say," said To'o.

"Dyl is one of a kind. I'm so happy to play alongside him."

According to Liam Martin, Edwards might open up in the aftermath of the Panthers grand final when the celebrations really get going and the Tooheys New and KFC are flowing.

"There's two sides to Dyl – you have that humble side where he's the nicest guy and he'd do anything for you, but get a few beers into him and he'll start talking about how he was a Golden Gloves fighter back in the day," Martin said.

"He's someone you want to be around 24/7.

"He does those performances week in and week out and it's nice to see him get the recognition because he's a superstar.

"Those efforts he makes, he does it too often to be a fluke. He's always there."

There may be a bit more for Edwards to do yet – he's an outside chance of being named to Australia's World Cup squad after his enormous finish to the season.

But regardless if rep honours ever come his way, Edwards has had his moment in the spotlight, one that was thoroughly earned a dozen times over.

So call him one of the top fullbacks in the league, or call him the straw that stirs the drink for Penrith or call him whatever else you like.

Just don't call him underrated. That's just not going to fly, not anymore.

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