Staying away from trouble can be tough for some players, and for Kenny Edwards, formerly of the Southport Tigers, he knows that this is final life-line, after being given a 1-year contract by the Parramatta Eels.
Edwards, who is a back-rower, knows that he owes playing well and staying out of trouble to his wife, his 2-year old daughter and numerous fans of his over the years.
In what will be Edwards third chance in the NRL, with the father determined to prove that he is a changed player, stemming from his erratic ways since his attending school at Keebra Park High.
“This is an opportunity for me to show people that I’m a different man,” he said.
“It’s a big challenge after what I’ve been through.
“I’ve had a hard time in the last few years but I feel the time is right for me.”
Edwards is also the cousin of Cowboys, NSW and Kangaroos prop James Tamou, with incidents such as apparently inciting his young U17’s team as a trainer to fight, as well as other numerous off-field incidents.
“In 2008, I moved to Manly and I basically thought I’d made it without really having made it,” Edwards said.
“I started hanging out with the the big names, doing what they did, and I got into trouble.
“Then in 2009 I was at St George and I ran into more off-field issues.”
Edwards does have someone in his corner bar family and friends, however, with former Manly Video Analyst Will Badel always holding the belief that the back-rower could crack the big-time.
It was Badel who presented Edwards with numerous options to play in the NRL, before the opportunity to represent the Eels finally arose.
“Will talked about a Penrith stint but that fell through,” Edwards said.
“But then he rang me and said there may be an opportunity at Parramatta. He said he was going to speak to Ricky Stuart.
“Then out of the blue I was at work and had a missed call on my phone. It was Ricky and he said he wanted a yarn. That just blew me away.
“He told me it’ll take a lot of hard work, but if I’m keen and show them 100 per cent in attitude and training it’ll all be good.
“I agree I’ve been been a problem child, but from now on there are no excuses for me any more.
“As Ricky said, it’s all up to me now and I’m more than ready to take the chance.”