Ryan Papenhuyzen cuts down Dylan Edwards in eye-opening call on NRL rival James Tedesco

Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards was voted by his peers this week as the best fullback in the NRL but Melbourne Storm flyer Ryan Papenhuyzen doesn't see it that way, declaring James Tedesco is currently the standout No.1 in the game. The Roosters skipper has had a brilliant 2024 season, starring for the Tri Colours. And he will attempt to lift the side to an NRL grand final against the Storm on Friday after back-to-back titles in 2018-2019.

Last weekend, the Roosters fullback produced arguably his best performance of the season to help his side defeat Manly. And after crossing the stripe twice in a win that booked a preliminary final berth against the Storm, Papenhuyzen declared Tedesco had done more than enough to keep his Kangaroos fullback spot for the Pacific Championships ahead of Edwards - who took over his spot in the NSW State of Origin side.

"Definitely (Tedesco is back to his best) - it's pretty impressive what he's done," Papenhuyzen told AAP. "I'm sure he would have been disappointed to not make Origin but he's doing a good job to make sure he's picked for the Aussie team and that will be a big bounce back if he does that."

Tedesco had previously been named the best fullback in the game in 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2022, before Reece Walsh claimed the award last year. But this year Edwards received the honour over the Roosters No.1, despite playing six less games than Tedesco and trailing his rival fullback in several key areas such as tries (10) and try assists (7).

But Edwards was far from an unworthy recipient, with the Panthers No.1 averaging an extraordinary 228 running metres and he has been instrumental in lifting Penrith to a top-two finish. However, the Storm No.1 doesn't believe he is on the same level as the Roosters fullback, stating Tedesco is playing as well as ever and is the one he and the rest of the competition have to try and catch.

Melbourne not taking Roosters challenge lightly

Papenhuyzen says the Storm are well aware of the challenge ahead of them on Friday night. Despite the Roosters being without halfback Sam Walker, the side carry some of the most potent attacking threats in the competition. Even away from star fullback Tedesco, they have several world-class backs including Joey Manu, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Daniel Tupou and Dom Young.

"They've got some quality backs and even their forward pack is world-class," Papenhuyzen said. "It's pretty crazy - they've got a few out but they've still got a team that's really really good on paper so you can't switch off there, you've got to make sure you do your homework on all of them and see what their strengths are and hopefully eliminate them."

Storm holds historical advantage over rivals Roosters

Melbourne boast a formidable record against the Roosters heading into Friday night's blockbuster clash, winning 10 of their past 11 meetings. A fractured ankle kept Papenhuyzen out of last year's semi-final against the Roosters at AAMI Park, which the Storm won 18-13 after winger Will Warbrick got on the end of a nifty Cameron Munster kick to score with under two minutes on the clock.

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But Papenhuyzen says that game perfectly illustrates that finals are a different beast and says the Storm are prepared for another tough battle. "You can't look into it too much because sometimes it can just be a couple of calls that go your way," he said. "That last play was off a kick and that's luck - but sometimes luck goes your way."

with AAP