Canberra second-rower Joel Edwards has signed a three year extension with the NRL club ahead of his return from back-to-back concussions.

The deal adds a further two years on to Edwards’ contract, which was due to run until the end of the 2015 season.

Edwards, who moved to the club form Newcastle in 2013, says he didn’t bother looking around for deals at any other clubs.

“There’s a real belief happening here at the club and I wanted to be a part of that,” he said.

“Since moving here I’ve looked to develop my footy, and under Ricky (Stuart) I see that happening.”

Edwards returns to the Canberra line-up this week for a home clash against the Melbourne Storm after missing last week due to sustaining concussions against the Rabbitohs and then Penrith.

He said he felt fine this week, and had even passed the concussion tests last week, but was prevented from playing by the Raiders as a safety precaution.

“I’m feeling great,” he said.

“It was just because of the whole focus on the concussions at the moment that I was unable to take part in the game last week.

“It was in my best interests.”

Known for his no-holds-barred approach to defence, Edwards said the head knocks wouldn’t affect his confidence going forward.

“The way I play is the way I play and will continue to play,” he said.

“You get a bump here or there but it’s nothing to be concerned for.”

Raiders CEO Don Furner said he looked forward to seeing Edwards develop as a player in the future.

“He is one of the hardest workers both on and off the field here at the Raiders,” Furner said.

“He’s another player we see as a key part of our success moving forward.”