O'Dwyer made his first grade debut for Eastern Suburbs in round 3 of the 1993 NSWRL season against Western Suburbs at Campbelltown Sports Stadium. In 1994, O'Dwyer signed with Penrith but was limited to only two appearances which were both from the interchange bench. In 1995, O'Dwyer signed for the newly admitted South Queensland side and played in the clubs first ever victory which came in round 5 against North Sydney. In 1996, O'Dwyer played eight games for the club mainly at halfback as they finished with the Wooden Spoon.[2][3]