Fox League expert Greg Alexander has backed Newcastle’s pursuit of Kiwi Test five-eighth Dylan Brown, saying the Knights should be prepared to pay $1.2 million per season to land the marquee pivot.
Premiership-winning halfback Alexander, one of the most respected voices in rugby league, also rated the scenario as shattering for new Eels coach Jason Ryles on the eve of the start of the 2025 season.
Off the back of Fox Sports Australia revealing the Knights were planning to table Brown a $6 million-plus, six-year deal to quit the Eels from the end of this season, Alexander rated Brown as worth the asking price his agents are talking.
I think he’d be a very good signing. I like him. I think he’s one of the elite players and very good halves we’ve got in the competition,” Alexander told Fox Sports Australia
“If I was Newcastle or any other club who need to sign a quality player for a long term I’d be weighing in.
“If he can be a tad more consistent he’s a an elite player across the board. I’d pay him $1.2 million.
“I think he’s worth it. He would make an enormous difference to your club.
“He’d be a very good signing for Newcastle. Him and Kalyn Ponga – that’s elite.”
From 2026 onwards Brown’s deal skyrockets to more than $1 million per season until the end of 2031.
The Knights have crunched the numbers and are prepared to table Brown a monster deal worth more than $6 million plus in total – but only in the Eels five-eighth is serious about leaving Parramatta.
“It’s shattering for the Eels on the eve of the season for Jason Ryles to be in a battle now to retain someone that you would definitely want to retain,” Alexander said.
“I read yesterday where Parramatta are not willing to up his money to remove that clause.
“I can see the situation that they’re in. They don’t want to be bending over and they want to show strength.
“But it might cost them Dylan Brown too. So it’s a difficult situation for the Eels.
“Then again they allowed the clauses to be put in in the first place.”
Replies
Yes DB is probably worth 1.2 mil to Newy, they don't have any top line halfs. 5 average to slightly better then average.
They have Atkinson arriving from the Sharks 2026, he also is a predominantly a very good 6. But not alot of FG experience. Hence Newy would be better off chasing a top line halfback and ball playing lock.
I personally don't think Dyla will be a good buy for Newy, he will have enormous pressure on him to manage and win games. All the noise, expectations and media coverage will be on Dylan and Ponga. Ponga will handle it he already has, not sure Dylan will.
If Parramatta are sitting in the top 8 and playing good footy in the first 10 rounds Dylan Brown will stay. I don't think Dylan realy wants to leave.
Atkinson is going to Dragons.
Woops sorry, your correct.
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