Dylan Edwards played through a ruptured posterior cruciate ligament for more than 50 minutes in Penrith's preliminary final against Newcastle, despite severely limited lateral movement.
The injury ended his hopes of representing the Australian Kangaroos at the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.
Earlier in 2026, Edwards had missed games after aggravating a shoulder injury, then returned and captained the Panthers during the Origin period.
His season earned him the Merv Cartwright Medal for the second time, as well as the Dally M Fullback of the Year award.
In 23 appearances, he scored 12 tries, set up 10, made nine line breaks and broke 117 tackles.
He averaged 217 running metres per game and finished with 4,994 metres.
Edwards ran for 284 metres and scored three tries in seven minutes against Newcastle in Round 8, adding a try assist.
In Round 11, he made 294 metres, including 128 from kick returns, and produced a try-saving intervention.
He also delivered a crucial try-saving tackle against Brisbane in Round 20, suffering a deep head cut that needed 10 stitches.
Against the Roosters, Edwards scored a late equaliser to help Penrith reach the preliminary final.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary described him as: "The best defensive fullback in the game."
Edwards' campaign was marked by consistency and resilience, as he repeatedly put his body on the line for his teammates.