Four-time premiership winner Dylan Edwards could be in doubt to miss Penrith’s trip to Las Vegas to begin their 2025 campaign after going under the knife on a persistent shoulder injury, reported the Sydney Morning Herald.

Edwards, who usurped James Tedesco as the new NSW Blues fullback in 2024, had the same shoulder surgery as star halfback Nathan Cleary – known as a Laterjet procedure, to treat instability and bone loss, even performed by the same surgeon.

While in camp with the Kangaroos for the end-of-season Pacific Championships tournament, the 28-year-old hid the extent of the injury so well that coach Mal Meninga had been unaware surgery was on the table until alerted by a reporter.

“He doesn’t complain, I know he’s had a crook shoulder, but I wasn’t aware he needed surgery,” Meninga said.

“He’s the ultimate professional, he’s been great around the group, and when he talks, you listen. He’s found his sense of belonging in this team.”

Recovery from this procedure normally takes 14 to 16 weeks. With the Panthers’ season-opening clash against Cronulla at Allegiant Stadium in Nevada now 15 weeks away, Edwards faces a race against the clock to be fit for Round 1.