Training has been going well under new coach Wayne Bennett, he remains injury free post pre-season and he is itching to get out on the park.

Saturday night’s trial against Penrith Panthers at the Regional Sports Stadium in Port Macquarie represents a chance for Edwards to continue finessing his game as he heads into his third first grade season.

“I’m just looking to get the timing right in defence and attack,” he said

“It’s good to get the first one out of the way.”

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary will be looking to test his forward pack, having lost Petero Civoniceva and Trent Waterhouse in the off-season, but as the first hit out of the year for many Knights players, Edwards said the match was more about getting things right within their team than worrying about their opposition.

“I haven’t heard a thing about them,” Edwards said. “We’ve just been concentrating on things that we can control.

“We’ve just been worried about ourselves really.”

Bennett has been providing ample inspiration for the former Cessnock Goannas junior, who remains humble despite his growing reputation as one of the toughest tacklers in the league.

“He’s obviously won premierships,” Edwards said.

“He’s a great person to learn from and I’m looking forward to a season with him.

“We’ve been working on attack, running the right line, generally everywhere and hopefully start the ball rolling with a good defence.”

Excluded from Saturday’s line-up are Ryan Stig, who will be sidelined due to injury for another couple of weeks, while Robbie Rochow is still recovering from minor knee surgery.

Other first up starters include Darius Boyd and Adam Cuthbertson who will be having their first run in Knights colours.

For Danny Buderus, Kade Snowden and Timana Tahu, it is their first game back since returning to the club.