Edwards speaks of heartache over mistaken identity

Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards has spoken out over the family heartache he's been through after being dragged into Penrith's sex video saga through the simple case of mistaken identity.

When more videos began to surface involving several Panthers players last week, Edwards was accused of featuring in the footage by several members of the public on social media platforms.

With a partner and 11-month old daughter of his own, Edwards did everything possible to ensure those close to him knew he wasn't involved.

"I had a fair bit of family ring me and ask me if it was me," Edwards said.

"I knew it wasn't me and was more worried about my partner and how she was mentally. She was pretty upset.

"She knew it wasn't me and trusted that but it's hard when other people are saying it. Penrith is a small community and she's got to walk around the street and have people think I've cheated on her or whatever else, it's not real good."

Another video that also began to do the rounds last week involved a woman who was also wrongfully labelled as a current player's wife.

It's the sort of speculation that has had an impact on not only the players but their families and close relations with fan and public innuendo at an all-time high.

"The collateral [damage] that it causes is not good and not fair either," Edwards said.

"It can affect a lot of people but it's the nature [of the society] we live in I suppose. You've got to play it as it comes, you can't worry about if something happens.

"The day and age it is you just can't be filming stuff anymore really, it shouldn't have been [there] to start with."

Edwards insisted the scandal wouldn't derail the Panthers' season.

"It is done now and moving forward we've got to have a strong stance and some accountability for your mate really, if he's doing something silly then bring him into line.

"We'll come together and won't let it derail us as the season progresses. We're a tight bunch of boys here and have got each other's back."