Ivan Cleary says star fullback Dylan Edwards will have more fire in his belly after his NSW axing, naming his State of Origin stars for the top-of-the-table clash with the Warriors.
Edwards has been sensational for the Panthers in their surge to the top of the table and is in better form than he was last year when chosen as Blues fullback.
NSW coach Laurie Daley had to choose between two custodians at the top of their games, but elected to recall James Tedesco for the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday night.
Four-time premiership winner Edwards is averaging 221m per game, has the best defensive record of his career and seven try assists in 11 games in 2026 to drive the Panthers to first position.