Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards pulled off a breathtaking chase-down tackle on Friday night that reminded rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns of Scott Sattler’s legendary NRL grand final act from 19 years ago.
Rabbitohs speedster Alex Johnston broke away on the left touchline as the Panthers led 26-12 with just over three minutes remaining in the game, but Edwards hunted him down and tackled him over the sideline just over halfway.
Johns instantly recalled Sattler’s iconic tackle in the 2003 grand final, in which the lion-hearted lock saved a try with an epic chase-down tackle on Roosters winger Todd Byrne.
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“Was that Scott Sattler or was that Dylan Edwards?” Johns said on Nine’s coverage.
Rugby league great Paul Vautin raved about Edwards’ tackle.
“Brilliant tackle, great cover-defending, fullback tackle,” Vautin said.
“That is terrific. And this guy’s a speedster. Great ball-and-all tackle.”
Stream the NRL premiership 2022 live and free on 9Now.
The Panthers secured their fourth win from four starts as megastar halfback Nathan Cleary made his comeback from off-season shoulder surgery.
Penrith is the only undefeated team in the league this season, following wins over Manly, St George Illawarra, Newcastle and South Sydney.
“That was their best game of the year. They made a statement tonight,” Vautin said on Nine’s post-match show.
“Just walking down through the crowd – they’re ecstatic. They’re already asking me, ‘Do you think they can win again this year?’. Well, on that, you’d say yes, they can.
“They didn’t have one ordinary player.
“Nathan Cleary – great comeback from him. He controlled things. His kicking game was stupendous and the rest of the team followed.
“They look in good touch.”
The Panthers will meet the Bulldogs in round five and the Rabbitohs will square off with the Dragons.
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