Eels fans boo $14m man Dylan Brown before big loss to Wests Tigers

Parramatta coach Jason Ryles was hesitant to criticize Dylan Brown for his decision to join Newcastle, but Eels fans had no such reservations during their team’s 32-6 defeat to Wests Tigers at Commbank Stadium on Sunday.

Brown recently announced that he would leave Parramatta at the end of the season to sign a massive 10-year contract with the Knights, reportedly worth $14 million.

As the Eels’ lineup was announced before the game, loud boos echoed through the stadium when the 24-year-old’s image appeared on the big screen.

When asked about the reaction, Ryles seemed unfazed. “Was there? I can’t hear it up there. It’s pretty soundproof,” he said. “That’s footy. Fans are emotional and passionate—that’s just how they feel. It doesn’t change how we see him.”

Ryles believed Brown was “steady” in the match and showed improvement from last week’s 56-18 thrashing by Melbourne in the season opener. However, the rookie coach refused to single out Brown, insisting that the entire team underperformed.

“To focus just on Dylan’s performance wouldn’t be fair. I’m sure there are areas he wants to improve, but there are other factors around him that need to be considered first,” he explained.

Last week, Parramatta football manager Mark O’Neill defended Brown’s move, stating that “no one could begrudge him for taking this opportunity for himself and his family.”

Many Eels fans clearly disagreed, and their frustration likely deepened after the heavy loss to a Tigers side that has finished last three times, leaving Parramatta at the bottom of the table after two rounds.