Penrith's Dylan Edwards called into Kangaroos squad

But AAP understands Edwards will be announced as a late addition as cover for Josh Addo-Carr, who faces a possible ban for his alleged role in a brawl at the Koori Knockout competition.

Known for his reliability in defence and out of yardage, Edwards has been one of the Panthers' most important players amid four NRL seasons of dominance.

He received the Clive Churchill Medal for his man-of-the-match performance in their 2022 grand final victory and polled the eighth-most votes in this year's Dally M Medal count.

But captain James Tedesco has had a mortgage on the NSW and Australian fullback spots since before Penrith's resurgence, leaving Edwards the only three-time premiership Panther yet to play representative footy.

The 27-year-old made his NRL debut as an outside back and had been suggested by pundits as an option at wing for NSW's State of Origin side this year, though was ultimately overlooked.

With a dearth of specialist wingers in Meninga's squad, Edwards could find himself called onto the edge for a Kangaroos debut if Canterbury's Addo-Carr is ruled out.

Brisbane flyer Selwyn Cobbo, another potential debutant, is the only out-and-out winger in Meninga's squad other than Addo-Carr.

Dolphins ace Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs are other outside back options.

But both are likely to play in the centres for at least the first game as Valentine Holmes prepares for a suspension in the wake of his white powder scandal.

The call-up continues another year to remember for Edwards, who re-signed with the Panthers through 2028 in August and played fullback in their latest premiership triumph on Sunday.