‘I did nothing’: Why Dylan Brown knows it’s time to deliver for the Eels

https://static.ffx.io/images/$width_144%2C$height_144/t_crop_fill/q_86%2Cf_auto/e96bb1894842377bd446b06367bcc490ecef25b8 2x" alt="Adrian Proszenko" width="72" height="72" />

ByAdrian Proszenko

February 1, 2024 — 6.45pm

Dylan Brown describes his career form to date as “consistently inconsistent”.

For proof, look no further than his last two games. Within the space of a week, while representing New Zealand during last year’s Pacific Championships, there were two very contrasting performances.

Playing against the Kangaroos on both occasions, Brown wasn’t a factor in the first match.

“One-hundred per cent, I did nothing,” Brown admitted. “That was the issue. It’s not what I’d done, it’s what I didn’t do. There’s things I’ve gotta sort out, in terms of staying in games and being present.”

The following week, in the final against the Kangaroos, Brown produced one of his best games. It helped lift the Kiwis to their greatest-ever win against Australia, a 30-0 shutout.

It has also been a case of Jekyll and Hyde for club side Parramatta. There has been big a discrepancy between Brown’s best and worst performances, something the playmaker is looking to address before this season.

https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_0.173%2C$multiply_1.9577%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0/t_crop_custom/q_62%2Cf_auto/6728c604e2aeee07d7e88c8d66e1ef7f9a2b3ecb 2x" media="(min-width: 1024px)" />https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_0.173%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0/t_crop_custom/q_62%2Cf_auto/6728c604e2aeee07d7e88c8d66e1ef7f9a2b3ecb 2x" media="(min-width: 768px)" />

6728c604e2aeee07d7e88c8d66e1ef7f9a2b3ecb

https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_0.173%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0/t_crop_custom/q_62%2Cf_auto/6728c604e2aeee07d7e88c8d66e1ef7f9a2b3ecb 2x" alt="Dylan Brown is ready to take his game to a new level." width="584" height="390" />

Dylan Brown is ready to take his game to a new level.

“It’s a mental thing,” Brown said. “I’ve just got to know the importance of every game because when it gets to round 25 and you look back at the games - for example last year we lost the first three, but then we went out and beat Penrith - each game is important, no matter who you’re playing.

“We had so many opportunities to be in the top eight last year and we just kept failing that. We’ve gotta turn up as if we’re playing Penrith every week. I’ve got to lead that.”

Having come into first grade while still in his teens, Brown has become a senior member of the side at the age of just 23. Having recommitted to the Eels on a mega-contract that ties him to the club until the end of 2031, Brown realises the responsibility that comes with his position.

“Yeah, it’s taken me a while to realise that,” he said. “Even after my fourth year, I was sort of in a position where, if I was playing good, it helps the players around me.

“We’ve gotta turn up as if we’re playing Penrith every week. I’ve got to lead that.”
Dylan Brown

“It’s almost a must now. I just signed a deal that’s sort of locked me in for a long time now. So I’ve got stability there and I know that I’m gonna be here for a long time. I take that seriously.

“I know I definitely wasn’t playing my best [in the past]. I was consistently inconsistent. So I’d have my good games and I’d also have bad games and you can’t really afford to do that in the NRL. I’m gonna work on being consistent this year.”

Prior to the Pacific Championships final, then Kiwis coach Michael Maguire challenged Brown to step up. Eels coach Brad Arthur has also lit a fire under him, publicly stating that the Auckland product hasn’t lived up to his potential.

“I completely agree,” Brown said. “I’m trying to build my discipline a bit more and it starts with your habits. I’m eating cleaner, taking my diet a bit more seriously. You actually notice the difference when you start eating properly. I have been a massive guy for the old cheeky muffin, I like a dessert every time I go to lunch, but I’ve pulled back a little bit.”

Brown now weighs in at 91kg after a drama-free pre-season.

“I don’t know if you heard, I was 10kg lighter when I came back last year because I got sick in Bali, on New Year’s Eve,” he said. “So I came back and little setbacks like that all add up in the long run.

“This year there’s a lot of good healthy boys and now we’re ready to go. I feel like some of our best footy in 2022 to some of our worst in 2023. We need to get back to what we do best.”

https://static.ffx.io/images/$width_80%2C$height_80/t_crop_fill/q_86%2Cf_auto/e96bb1894842377bd446b06367bcc490ecef25b8 2x" alt="Adrian Proszenko" width="40" height="40" />

Adrian Proszenko is the Chief Rugby League Reporter for the Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via Twitter or email.

"Yep, that's a recipe for disaster. With no brown next year we're a high chance of spoonville. Cant see Mitch waiting out his prime to see if we come good. We need to turn it around fast or we'll be stuck in the doldrums for a few years. "

Replies

JB. Prints of Parra February 1, 2024 at 11:02pm

I love how the media keeps trying to push this narrative and no one is really buying it.
Dylan is so impervious to pressure he is so good. We are such a more resilient club and team now. So good, bunnies would of capitulated and let Dylan go.
BEM February 1, 2024 at 11:37pm

Talk is cheap.

He needs to prove it on the field.
Blue Eel February 2, 2024 at 11:14am

Where's Wiz. This sounds like vindication of opinions from Dyl bags himself mate.
Parra_Greg February 2, 2024 at 2:32pm

As much as I hate to say it he is our best defensive player by far...His indescretions last year cost a Semi final birth. I hope he realises what he owes his team mates and to a lesser the eels fans. I hope he understands the talents he has and takes this NRL career more seriously. I know thats not his way and has a very laconic style. Brett Kenny EARNED his laidback style ....Dylbaags hasnt. Well not yet.