D-Day looms for Dylan Brown at Eels as rival clubs circle star playmaker

The playing future of Parramatta young gun Dylan Brown could be resolved in the next 24 hours as the Eels attempt to avert rival NRL clubs meeting the teenage playmaker.

The Eels have told Fox Sports a recruitment and retention committee meeting on Monday is hopeful of putting the club’s best offer to Brown and locking the playmaker up long-term.

Provided the Eels management can crunch the correct numbers, the blue and gold faithful are expected to be celebrating securing one of the NRL’s most exciting prospects.

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Round 1

Bankwest Stadium
Mar 12 2020
8:05PM

$1.33 BET NOW $3.25
GIO Stadium
Mar 13 2020
6:00PM

$1.28 BET NOW $3.60
North Queensland Stadium
Mar 13 2020
8:05PM

$1.90 BET NOW $1.90
McDonald Jones Stadium
Mar 14 2020
3:00PM

$1.44 BET NOW $2.75
ANZ Stadium
Mar 14 2020
5:30PM

$1.72 BET NOW $2.10
Panthers Stadium
Mar 14 2020
7:35PM

$3.10 BET NOW $1.36
Lottoland
Mar 15 2020
4:05PM

$2.20 BET NOW $1.65
WIN Stadium
Mar 15 2020
6:15PM

$1.80 BET NOW $2.00

Merrin, Prior, Leilua move on

0:40

But if they can’t, rival NRL clubs are queued-up to enter the equation.

Fox Sports has learned there are meetings locked in with rival clubs for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week.

The situation is a huge call for Eels powerbrokers who have been under pressure over the course of the last 12 months for the way they’ve handled contract negotiations.

Chairman Sean McElduff, new CEO Jim Sarantinos, head of football Mark O’Neill, coach Brad Arthur and recruitment manager Peter Sharp all form the Eels recruitment and retention committee.

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There’s a strong view Parramatta should have secured Brown’s signature well before the November 1 open market deadline.

Especially considering the Warriors six-year $2.8 million offer to try and lure him across the Tasman from earlier this year.

Sure, Brown is only 19-years-old and still signed for the 2020 season but given the talent he’s already showcased, it’s one of those deals you just get done.

The Eels had from March to November to try and strike a new contract for the teenage playmaker, yet here we are in December and rival clubs are ready to strike.

https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/f1304849bdbcb783f1cb9f143315ebc6?width=400 400w, https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/f1304849bdbcb783f1cb9f143315ebc6?width=480 480w, https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/f1304849bdbcb783f1cb9f143315ebc6?width=650 650w, https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/f1304849bdbcb783f1cb9f143315ebc6?width=700 700w" alt="Dylan Brown has been targeted by rival clubs for a move away from the Eels." />Dylan Brown has been targeted by rival clubs for a move away from the Eels.Source: Getty Images

If Brown is allowed to begin the process of meeting with rivals, Eels fans are entitled to be fuming.

This is a player the club identified at 16 years of age, moved to Sydney, nurtured through high school and now what?

The Eels don’t get the deal done? It would be a public relations disaster.

Since the entire football club review at the end of 2018, the Eels have worked hard on reforming their corporate governance and due process.

Jake Trbojevic and cousin Mikaela on her NSW Waratahs ambitions

4:06

But there’s a view the club has now gone too far down the road of being shrouded in red tape systems and structures and those problems are now flowing on into issues within the football department.

The retention and recruitment committee’s penchant for checks and balances surrounding every decision means negotiations can often drag on far too long.

The protracted negotiations of captain Clint Gutherson and the loss of some of the club’s best young talent headed by Stefano Utoikamanu to the Wests Tigers are classic examples.

Ultimately, most NRL clubs have one person who is responsible for doing the lion’s share of assembling the club’s roster.

At Parramatta, there’s seems to be a lot of different voices.

It’s a big 24 hours for the Eels.

View All Comments

"You best try and find out , I only trust what you say in these matters. Lets face it , the chance of us seeing the eels win a comp before we die is looking as bleak as a Brad Arthur half time talk "

"None of them would even know he exists. That's the biggest issue. A Board with football expertise would know names like Cameron, Ponissi etc. They'd have them on a shortlist already. Our lot would probably hire a HR company to do some market…"

Replies

This reply was deleted.
- Mitchy December 2, 2019 at 6:45pm
  
  Time will tell Brissy; look at the farce the Mitchell contract has brought up. PLayers for me if they want the money need to take responsibility but Brown is 19, and Parra could have done something beforehand too. We will see.
- Goose December 2, 2019 at 7:02pm
  
  I agree brissy eel. Managers and jurnos are the ones making the noise
Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown December 2, 2019 at 6:47pm

Not confident but think he will stay.
- Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst > Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown December 2, 2019 at 7:07pm
  
  Ohhh what would you know? You flip.
  - Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown > Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst December 2, 2019 at 7:13pm
    
    Im just guessing Baz but im right 98% of the time so make what you will of that.
    - Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst > Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown December 2, 2019 at 7:24pm
      
      Ok, msg me snake I need to talk to u
      - Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown > Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst December 2, 2019 at 8:02pm
        
        Because of the excessive amount of dick and pegged pics youve been sending, im not sure i want to engage, sorry Baz.
        
        Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst > Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown December 2, 2019 at 8:07pm
        
        BS you love it, you've even downloaded the Harvey Norman Photo Centre app so you can print em whilst your at home
Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown December 2, 2019 at 7:02pm

The timing of Johns recruitment to be our halves coach could be crucial here.

Wouldnt surprise me if he stays thats he comes out and says the johns coaching gig was the thing that made him sign.

Joey gushes over this kid every time we play, i can see a bit of a love affair developing.
- Pork n Beans > Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown December 2, 2019 at 7:21pm
  
  I honestly don't think that'll mean much to him