Dylan Brown's looming suspension is a wake-up call amid a season of disappointing form that has Parramatta's premiership hopes in the balance, NRL great Brad Fittler says.
The Eels five-eighth is facing a ban of three to four weeks after dropping his knees into Roosters opposite Drew Hutchison, leaving him with broken ribs and a punctured lung.
Brown's potential replacement is interesting, with back-up half Will Smith sidelined by a broken thumb. Jakob Arthur, the son of coach Brad Arthur, may well take the No.6 jersey.
"There's talk that maybe Jake Arthur is in contention, the son of the coach," Eels legend Peter Sterling said on The Sunday Footy Show.
Fittler said that Arthur Jr would give Brown even more to ponder during his looming break, after an underwhelming start to the season that is at odds with second-placed Parramatta's 8-1 record.
"I think it will be interesting, Dylan Brown. Dylan Brown hasn't had a good season," Fittler said on The Sunday Footy Show.
"He's had one try and one try assist the whole year. He's had that many cold drops that I haven't seen from anyone else in the competition
"I don't think his head's right into the game at the moment. I think what he does the next three weeks, if he's out for three weeks, is going to be the making or breaking of Parramatta because I don't know if they can win unless someone else, there's another point of attack other than Mitchell [Moses] doing all the work.
"Jake Arthur will come in. They reckon he's a great trainer, the players really respect him. I think it will be a bit tricky with the coach obviously, being his son, so I think he'll be a bit hesitant to bring him in because there'll be some pressure on him.
"But from what I hear at Parramatta and from what he does at reserve grade, he kills it. So I really look forward to seeing the decision Brad makes.
"But with Dylan, that's going to be very, very important because he hasn't been doing much and this is most probably a wake-up call."
Brown, 20, still has just 40 NRL matches to his credit. He is rated a potential superstar by Immortal Andrew Johns. He scored a 75th minute try against the Roosters to cap a 31-18 win.
The Eels are also sweating on the availability of gun hooker Reed Mahoney, who failed an HIA during the win over the Roosters, halting a run of superb form.
Replies
Fittlers assessment seems spot on. Dylan has been outstanding in defence but absolutley a passenger in attack and setting up his outside men. Ive said it for a few weeks now. Dylan looks and plays like an old school ball playing lock.
Would love to see young Jake take his place this week, this kid along side Rankin has been tearing them apartin the lowers. Wonder who BA will bring in, because if Waqa comes in for Nuikore and we have lost Dylan, our defence takes on a whole different look and im not sure i like it much.
Maybe he should pack on the kilos and become a ball playing lock full-time.
Can't believe anyone would take notice of Fittler. His Origin performance last year still sits in my craw after taking Junior off after 8 minutes,when he was the most damaging forward on the park.
Jake Arthur is a playmaker, so is Jordan Rankin, but Rankin is better equipped than Arthur, especially defensively replacing Brown, Cartwright is not out of the equation either and then we have the young NZ guy who is a genuine utility.
In saying they won't go with Arthur, i will say this about him, if his father says I want you tackle your arse of and run as a link the kid will do it. Like his old man I don't think he lacks ticker.
I know Hipgrave goes ok in reserves, not sure if he makes any impact in FG when he comes on. I assume Natham Brown comes back in with Waqa taking Nikiuri's place. This leaves Matterson and Papalii on the edges and Lane (bench) being an important link with Kafusi to cover the middle. Cartright to cover the 17.
Surely he can't make Dumpster the utility again ..... can he? Arthur may get this spot but realtically Joey lussick would take this role with Reed having a question mark, although I have no doubt Reed will start. Then there is my favourite of course in Roache who I think could be a real wild card for us (once in the top 30).
I'm glad Freddy's come out and publicly torched Dylan because it's 100% true. His head just isn't in the games at the moment. His defence is brilliant, but I think he'd be better served in the centre's until he shows some attacking skill. Throw the challenge to him and see how he accepts it.
I think he'll be better for it in the long run.
How can his defence be brilliant if his head isn't in the game ?
Defence would be the first thing to go.
Agreed. I think Fittler is making this assessment by ready the Daily Telegraph. Doesn't sound like he has actually watched any Parra game.
Fair point. Thought the same thing.
Fuck Brad Fittler, he gave up his western suburbs mates and upbringing just to become another Rooster's money grabbing stooge.
Realy Fitler and 100 other players have have left there mates for better money, Coates from the Broncos latest one
Point is what he is saying is true. Dylan has the worst attacking stats in the game for the 6.in a team that's won 8cof 9. This crap he straightens the attack or takes it to the line are bullshit.
He simply hasn't got the ability or skills to play the 6 in NRL.
Woops, sorry.
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