Off-contract Kenny Edwards discusses future with NRL and Super League options
Kenny Edwards has confirmed talks with Parramatta Eels, but the back-rower wants to remain in Super League.
Edwards, 32, is currently on loan at Castleford from Huddersfield and is off-contract at the end of the current campaign.
The former NRL man admitted to Love Rugby League that he has had calls from Australia, but wishes to remain in England with his family.
Edwards told Love Rugby League: “I’m really enjoying my football at the moment. I’ve seen reports in Australia talking about the Parramatta Eels and all that sort of stuff; I’ve had a couple of initial conversations with my old coach there in Brad Arthur about the potential to go home, but I’m loving it at Castleford also.
“I have really found a home at Castleford this year and the fans have really got behind me.
“The coaching staff there; I love them. We’ll see what happens in the next couple of weeks. I’ve got a couple of other bites from over here, but we’ll see what happens.”
Edwards believes he is miles away from hanging up the boots, and has set his sights on a long-term contract for his future.
“Three years will be the sticking point I think,” he said. “I’m at 32 now and my body is still feeling young and I’m still young in the head.
“I look forward to going to work every day. As long as my mind is still fresh, it will tell my body to get through whatever it has to. I’ve still got a few more years and I think a three-year deal would be the sticking point, wherever my future lies.”
England a second home for Kenny Edwards
Edwards made the move to Super League initially with Catalans during the 2018 season from Parramatta.
He joined Huddersfield ahead of 2020 before linking up with the Tigers on loan and to date has made 71 Super League appearances.
“England is my second home,” Edwards continued.
“At the start of the year, when it’s raining and snowing, my kids really missed their family back home. I sort of made the decision at the start of the year that we’d move home regardless of what happens. But as the year’s gone out, the family has warmed to it a bit more and that sort of stuff.
“A couple of options popped up back home and if it was the start of the year I’d have probably taken it straight away.
“But the longer the year has gone on, the more the family has warmed to staying here. That has made things a lot easier to make a decision for the next few years.
“I’ve spoken to a couple of people and it’s all there now, we’ll just see what happens in the next couple of weeks.”
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