Dylan Brown drops Parramatta Eels bombshell on NRL

Dylan Brown has reportedly informed the Eels of news that will send shockwaves across the NRL before the season begins.

Dylan Brown has reportedly told the Eels he is looking for a new home.

It is a huge twist in the contract saga that has swirled around the star playmaker in recent months.

As reported by Code Sports, Brown’s management group has emailed rival clubs seeking expressions of interest in the Kiwi.

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The 24-year-old has refused to guarantee his future with the Eels since it emerged last year he has a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave the club at the end of the 2025 season.

Brown signed a unique deal at the end of 2022 that keeps him at the Eels until 2025, with an option to remain at the club until 2031.

After needing knee surgery in September following an ACL rupture, Brown is far from certain to play any football this year.

It is clear he is getting cold feet.

According to Code Sports, Brown’s player agent Chris Orr sent an email that told potential suitors his client is a “franchise player”.

Dylan Brown of the Eels. Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

“Please revert back to Gavin (Orr) and I on email to register your clubs interest in securing the services of Dylan Brown for season 2026 and beyond,” Orr wrote.

“Once we finalise the level of interest we will work with you to set up an appropriate time to catch up with Dylan.

“These type of franchise players don’t come on the market very often.”

The email sent by Brown’s management company was also reportedly sent to rugby union clubs.

Because of the reported contract clause, Brown essentially became a free agent on November 1. The fact he’s looking around is bad news for new Eels coach Jason Ryles.

The New Zealander has already been linked with the Roosters, Warriors and even the Perth franchise for when they join the competition, but Brown has always maintained the same line when asked about his contract.

There goes another one for the Eels. Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

“It’s purely just for security. When you sign the deal, you want to know what your future is so you can focus on playing good footy,” he said in August.

“That’s why we signed that contract. Parramatta has got trust in me and I respect that.

“The headlines don’t really affect me. I don’t really look into it too much.

“When my family see it, they’re the ones who probably get caught up in it too much. I tell them to ignore it because they know I’m still here and trying my best every week.”

The Eels have endured a horror 12 months with Mitchell Moses and Brown both suffering serious injuries.

Former coach Brad Arthur was also sacked as coach. There has also been a fan backlash surrounding the club’s decision to let Clint Gutherson move to the Dragons.