Parramatta Eels star Dylan Brown addresses $13 million move to Newcastle Knights

Dylan Brown is yet to front Eels fans after quitting the club to become the richest player in the NRL. The moment will come this Sunday, with the $13m man banking on ‘true’ supporters to not turn their back on him.

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Parramatta star Dylan Brown is hoping ‘true’ Eels fans won’t boo him on Sunday, amid fears the 24-year old is in for an icy reception at CommBank Stadium after quitting the club to become the richest player in the NRL.

Brown fronted a huge media pack for the first time on Wednesday after inking a mega 10-year deal worth over $13 million to join Newcastle next season.

But he’s yet to front Eels fans left devastated by his decision.

Brown will do so for the this weekend when he runs out on Sunday afternoon to steer the Eels against the Wests Tigers.

“The true fans, I hope so,” Brown said when asked if Eels fans would cheer him on.

“Hopefully, there is no love lost. I love them to bits, the Blue and Gold army. Honestly they are the best fans in the competition and I truly believe that.

“The decision wasn’t easy and the fans were one of the reasons why. They have always backed me no matter what and it’s sad for me to leave.”

The rich deal has raised questions about Brown’s premiership credentials and as a career five-eighth, his ability to take control of a side in the no. 7 jumper. It’s a role he struggled to own when halfback Mitchell Moses has been sidelined but one he will take on at Newcastle.

But Brown refused to be drawn into questions about whether he is worth the $13 million price tag.

“Everyone is entitled to their own opinion,” Brown said.

“I play the best that I can and the offers are put in front of me, so I’d be silly not to take it.”

Brown, whose Eels deal finished in 2031 with options in 2026 and 2028, said the decision to leave Parramatta for Newcastle wasn’t about money.

Dylan Brown before addressing media. Picture: Tim Hunter.

“The decision wasn’t easy and the fans are one of the main reasons why … they’ve always supported me. It was hard to leave,” Brown said.

“Money has never really been a thing for me, it’s the 10 years of security. I just signed a deal with Parra before then, and that was 10 years and it was purely based on security.

“I spoke to Parramatta and they put their best offer forward but the Knights offer was hard to turn down.

“I’m living with my Dad now, so hopefully I can get him a granny flat out the back. Dad is coming with me.”

While disappointed about Brown’s impending exit, veteran prop Junior Paulo found the funnier side of the Kiwi international’s rich Knights deal.

Paulo joked that Brown had struck a bigger jackpot than what was on offer on the Powerball Thursday night.

“Well I think the lotto (Powerball) is 10 million this week, so he’s won more than the lotto,” Paulo laughed.

“Hopefully, he can splash out on some coffees.”

Earlier, Eels players were ribbing Brown about his record deal, prompting them to joke that the large media presence were there to see their new “money bags” teammate.

“Wow, how many cameras?,” one shocked teammate was heard saying as he left the headquarters building to head to the adjoining training field.

“There’s lots of jokes around the club,” Brown said of the ribbing.

“No love lost [among the players], I told them all of the decision, they backed me and knew I couldn’t turn it down.”

The Eels five-eighth informed teammates on Monday of his decision to leave the club at the end of the season, while also sending a brief message to Parramatta fans via his social media accounts.

Paulo said he and his Parramatta teammates were sad to hear about Brown’s Eels exit on Monday afternoon.

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“It was quite emotional,” Paulo said.

“Knowing that we have known Dylan for so long. I’m sure it’s a decision he would not have taken lightly, but one he is going to be able to look after himself and his family.”

Brown arrived at the Eels from New Zealand as a 15-year old before making his debut at the club in 2019.

Parramatta have stuck by Brown through a number of off-field indiscretions, including after he pleaded guilty to touching a woman without consent in 2023.

No stranger to media attention, Brown said the pressure that now comes with being the highest paid player in the NRL did not faze him.

“I’ve been in the news for multiple things. You play one good game and everyone loves you, but you play one bad game and everyone hates you,” he said.

“That’s part of footy. We’re in the spotlight and you have to learn to deal with people’s opinions.

Originally published as Parramatta Eels star Dylan Brown addresses $13 million move to Newcastle Knights