Edwards deserves a crack: Martin

True Blue Liam Martin believes Panthers teammate Dylan Edwards deserves a call-up to this year’s Ampol State of Origin Series that kicks off at Accor Stadium on Wednesday 5 June.

The three-time Premiership winner has become a mainstay in the Panthers starting 13 since making his debut in 2016.

Playing together since 2019, Martin has witnessed first-hand what Edwards is capable of with and without the ball and believes he is made for Origin.

“He is the sort of player that will go above and beyond and will do whatever it takes for the team,” Martin told panthers.com.au.

“Knowing that he has your back makes you want to work harder for him.

“And I think that’s the type of player that suits Origin.”

The 2022 Clive Churchill medallist has continued to grow each season making himself one of the elite fullbacks in the game.

In the opening eight rounds of the 2024 NRL season, Edwards has five tries, four try assists, 44 tackle breaks and has an average of 244 running metres a game.

“This year he has gone up another level,” Martin said.

“In the first few rounds, he has been our best player week in and week out.

“I reckon he deserves a crack.”

Edwards made his Test debut last year playing for three games for the Kangaroos in the Pacific Championships.