Dylan Brown, a five-eighth, will depart the Parramatta Eels at the end of the current campaign, the team has confirmed. It came after the athlete hinted at his exit on social media and news surfaced that Brown would receive an NRL-record deal offer from the Newcastle Knights that afternoon. In 2025, ABC Sport will live-blog each round of the AFL and NRL seasons. The 24-year-old Brown agreed to accept a 10-year, $13 million contract to join the Knights starting next season, according to the first report from News Corp on Monday. According to the Eels, Brown informed the team on Monday that 2025 would be his final season wearing the blue and gold uniform.
Mark O’Neill, general manager of football for the Eels, stated that he thought the offer made to Brown would be the biggest in NRL history. “From 2026 onwards, Dylan has been offered what I believe to be the biggest deal in NRL history,” O’Neill stated. “Dylan plays well in class. We respect his choice to accept the offer, and nobody can blame him for doing so for himself and his family. Dylan is still dedicated to the Eels in 2025, even though he has agreed to terms with another NRL team for upcoming seasons. We anticipate him contributing to the team for the rest of the season.” On Monday afternoon, rumors circulated that Brown was close to agreeing to the Knights’ massive contract.
If the reports are accurate, the deal would be more than the $12 million, 10-year contract Tino Fa’asuamaleaui signed with the Gold Coast Titans in 2023. Brown hinted on social media that he would be leaving the Eels at the end of this season after that story.
“Hi everyone, I’ve made the decision to seize an opportunity that will benefit my family and me the most,” he wrote on Instagram. “Nothing changes for the Blue and Gold family. We have work to do, and I’m committed for this year.” Since making his debut in 2019, the New Zealander has played 124 games for the Eels and has participated in eight Test matches for the Kiwis.
Last season, when Parramatta fell to a dismal 15th place, Brown participated in all 24 games for the team. During the Eels’ terrible start to 2025, when they were defeated 56-18 by the Stom in Melbourne, he was also the starting five-eighth.
