Parramatta Eels young gun Dylan Brown is set to test his value on the NRL’s open market with at least four rival clubs signalling an interest in meeting with one of rugby league’s best up and coming talents.
While the Eels have tabled Brown a three-year contract extension until the end of 2023, Fox Sportshas learned Brown has plans to meet with rival NRL clubs prior to Christmas.
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https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/fb08223a068765a015229b7994332235?width=400 400w, https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/fb08223a068765a015229b7994332235?width=480 480w, https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/fb08223a068765a015229b7994332235?width=650 650w, https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/fb08223a068765a015229b7994332235?width=700 700w" alt="Dylan Brown in action for the Eels." />Dylan Brown in action for the Eels.Source: AAPRound 1
The Eels rookie is then expected to make a decision about his future beyond 2020 in the new year.
Given the Eels recent reputation for moving slowly at the negotiating table, the Brown situation is bound to grab the attention of club management.
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While there is no question Brown enjoys a close-knit relationship with Eels coach Brad Arthur and loves the club, it’s never an ideal situation letting a player of his talent go to the open market.
Brown, 19, was the subject of a six-year $2.7 million offer from the New Zealand Warriors prior to making his NRL debut this season.
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6:05The New Zealand born-and-raised Brown was scouted by the Eels aged 15 and relocated to Sydney where the five-eighth attended The Hills Sports High School.
After making good judges take notice on debut in round one against the Penrith Panthers this season, Brown played the opening three NRL matches for the Eels before being ruled out for three months with “hot spots” in his back.
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https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/d9e7496c6a81014ce2c5e2c8e74fc8d3?width=400 400w, https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/d9e7496c6a81014ce2c5e2c8e74fc8d3?width=480 480w, https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/d9e7496c6a81014ce2c5e2c8e74fc8d3?width=650 650w, https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/d9e7496c6a81014ce2c5e2c8e74fc8d3?width=700 700w" alt="Parramatta's Dylan Brown is set to hit the market to test his value. Picture: Brett Costello" />Parramatta's Dylan Brown is set to hit the market to test his value. Picture: Brett CostelloSource: News Corp AustraliaThe Eels then managed his training workload and were careful to take their time with the injury.
When the Eels five-eighth returned, Parramatta went on to win eight of their remaining 12 matches before being knocked out in week two of the finals by Melbourne.
While the Eels have signed Ryan Matterson and Reagan Campbell-Gillard over the course of the off-season, allowing Brown’s contract negotiations to drag past November 1 is a surprise move.
