Dylan Brown shows way as Eels beat Panthers in NRL trial

Parramatta young gun Dylan Brown has proven he is the man to play five-eighth after excelling in the Eels’ 20-0 trial win over Penrith on Saturday night.

• Gutted Gutho vows to repay Eels fans
• Griffin’s verdict: Big question mark over Eels roster
• Wayne Bennett’s great Burgess experiment

Parramatta young gun Dylan Brown has proven he is the man to play five-eighth after excelling in the Eels’ 20-0 trial win over Penrith on Saturday night.

Brown produced a strong all-round game in an impressive victory for last season’s wooden spooners.

The 18-year-old New Zealand-born playmaker looked comfortable in attack while his kicking game was pinpoint.

He also showcased his silky skills in the second half with a Benji Marshall-like step.

Brown is now set to make his NRL debut for the Eels at five-eighth against Penrith in round 1 on March 17.

Dylan Brown has put his hand up to take the five-eighth spot for the Eels this season. Picture: Gregg Porteous/NRL Photos

The dominant win was a good result for Parramatta on the eve of the season.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Penrith.

The loss compounded a dramatic day for the Panthers, who were embroiled in the NRL’s latest sex tape scandal pre-game.

Penrith back Tyrone May was forced to withdraw before kick-off after two lewd videos involving him and a woman surfaced online.

It is anticipated that May will be interviewed by the NRL on Sunday.

On the field, the Panthers looked flat in an error-riddled performance against the Eels.

Ivan Cleary’s men have plenty of work to do before the start of the season in a fortnight.

Fergo the new Semi:

Parramatta’s Blake Ferguson looks to barge through the Penrith defence on Saturday night. Picture: Getty Images

Parramatta haven’t seen hard running like this from a winger since Fijian flyer Semi Radradra.

Blake Ferguson picked up where he left off at the Roosters with a powerful game for the Eels.

Ferguson went out of his way to get involved while his vocal presence was profound.

Gutherson in for big season:

Get excited Eels fans, Clint Gutherson is ready to explode this season.

Gutherson has battled injuries in recent years but after a full off-season I’m tipping him to excel in 2019.

The Mona Vale-born flyer looked slick in Parramatta’s win over Penrith.

He laid on a try while he made plenty of metres.

Parramatta won’t finish last:

You can offload the wooden spoon, Parramatta.

I know it was only a trial, but I can’t see the Eels finishing 16th in 2019.

Parramatta possess too many capable players, plus off-season signings like Blake Ferguson and Junior Paulo will only help the Blue and Golds climb up the ladder this season.