DYLAN Edwards has proudly represented his state in Australian sport’s biggest rivalry.

The former Bellingen Valley/Dorrigo Magpies junior made his State of Origin debut last week, playing fullback for the NSW Blues in their 38-18 win against Queensland during Game 2 in Melbourne.

Edwards scored a try for NSW in the 61st minute.

His Origin debut was made even more special after cruelly missing Origin 1 due to a calf strain just days before the game.

His Origin selection was just reward for the Penrith Panthers fullback, with the triple premiership player having an outstanding season so far, leading the Dally M Medal count before voting went behind closed doors.

Edwards currently leads the NRL in kick return metres, is second in run metres, and third in total runs.

The NSW debutant made his senior representative debut playing for Australia against Samoa in 2023.

The 28-year-old has been an integral member of the Panthers’ premiership teams, winning the Clive Churchill Medal in 2022.

Edwards was born in Albury but moved to Dorrigo with his family at the age of eight.

Having played his junior football for the Bellingen Valley/Dorrigo Magpies, he moved to Western Sydney in 2013 to play for the Panthers’ SG Ball team, where he progressed through the junior grades to take his spot in the Panthers NRL side.

He made his NRL debut in 2016, and has currently played 143 games for the Panthers.

By Aiden BURGESS