Two of the NRL’s leading fullbacks, both Clive Churchill Medal winners, were poised to go to war and ignite Suncorp Stadium with their contrasting styles.

In the end, it was hardly a fight, as Dylan Edwards inspired the Penrith Panthers to a 26-0 triumph over Reece Walsh and the Brisbane Broncos on Friday night.

Edwards was a beacon of consistency – scoring a try and finishing with 230 running metres and six tackle busts.Credit: Getty Images

As Walsh was given few chances to fire – Brisbane kept to just 37 per cent of the territory courtesy of their own ill discipline – Edwards did what he has always done: his job.

Rarely did the New South Wales custodian overplay his hand, nor did his halfback Nathan Cleary, as they simply waited for the Broncos to make mistakes.

In a game in which both teams combined for 30 errors, Edwards was a beacon of consistency – scoring a try and finishing with 230 running metres and six tackle busts.

Down the other end, the rocks and diamonds Walsh could never get into the game. He was kept to just 80 running metres from 12 carries, while his most genuine attacking opportunities were cruelled by mistakes.

First, he offered a short pass for Jordan Riki at close range, the hole in the defence opening wide for the edge forward to charge through. The Kiwi dropped it cold, a crime later repeated by Xavier Willison in the second half off a similar Ezra Mam ball.

Come the second half, and Walsh looked to have unleashed Deine Mariner, only for the winger to be well covered and fail to get to ground as he was dragged helplessly into touch.

© The Age