Edwards was on deck for the Peachey Shield and Richardson Cup finals day in Dubbo and was lapping up both the attention and the level of footy from the next generation of western stars.

The former Dorrigo Public School student took part in similar carnivals on the state’s mid north coast as a junior and was thrilled to see the close to 40 teams in action.

“This is the first time I’ve been here and it looks a big day,” he said.

“There’s a lot of interest in the west, which is pleasing.

“As a kid, my public school was active in sports so we went to these types of carnivals and being a country kid too, I love these sorts of days.”

The 22-year-old is on the comeback trail from a shoulder reconstruction and, although he finds watching tough, he’s confident Penrith can make a charge at the 2018 premiership.

“I’m doing everything in my power to get back but I don’t think I’m a chance at the moment,” he said.