He's still only 20, but gifted Parramatta five-eighth Dylan Brown now feels experienced enough to assume a more assertive attacking role in his third NRL season.
Brown, who has played 33 first-grade games, has quickly become a key cog for the Eels alongside halfback Mitchell Moses.
The pair have struck up a slick combination, but Brown told NRL.com they're continually working on achieving the perfect balance with his 26-year-old comrade naturally being "quite a dominant half".
And that means the younger playmaker showing increased confidence in picking the moments to inject himself into the action.
"Not so much overcalling, it's just knowing when to get involved. When the opportunity is there, I've got to take it," Brown said.
"It's more so just coming from within, like backing myself and understanding when I need the ball [and] the players outside me, understanding what they need and getting them the ball."
Eels halves coach Andrew Johns's involvement was restricted from outside the club's COVID bubble in 2020, but the eighth Immortal is back at close quarters at training, which is set to accelerate Brown's development.
The rising Kiwi star's body is in good order after an ankle injury caused him to miss four games before last year's finals, while a condensed pre-season hasn't been "as draining" as normal.
And Brown said the lower-back bruising which plagued him during his debut season in 2019, an issue more commonly reported in fast-bowling cricketers, was no longer troubling him.
"Quite a lot of the boys, most league boys have problems with their back. But the main problem – I had that injury in my first year [of NRL] – the seriousness of that is gone," he said.
"It's just managing [that]; it's just part of my everyday routine."
While paying no mind to "the same shit they always say" regarding pressure on Parramatta to win a title amid a 35-year drought, Brown pulled no punches about where they need to improve following another straight-sets playoffs exit.
"To be honest, we're still pretty disappointed … We had two chances there [in 2020] and we sort of crumbled," he said.
"It just came down to disciplinary things. There are lots of positives … but you don't want to go the whole year and finish [the way we did].
"We sort of did the same thing the year before; we got to the finals and put on a rubbish performance [losing in week two]. We're just going to have to stick in it this year and be ready for the back end."
Off the field, Brown is among the most popular players on social media, where he isn't shy in being his laidback self. He enjoys engaging with fans, even though the 24/7 access can be "full-on".
"Young people, that's our crowd. If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't have a job," he said.
"Interacting with them – it's good for them, they get a lot out of it, and it's good for us … I try to stay active on social media and show people what I get up to."
Replies
Seems like he's matured as a player more over the off season. Can only be a good thing
Yeah unleash the Dylan!
You know they are contractually compelled to give a certain number of interviews, yeah ?
Hopefully he can shut down all those fools wanting to move him to centre or lock, he is an out and out half.
Time will tell, easey to tell fans what ya game plan is. Hope he turns it on.
Graham, we all know your view on young Brown and I have met you half way on a few occasions, but I think you need to be cautious with your critique as it shows you in a light of being the negative when anyone has something to say positive about the kid.
At age 20 with 33 games under his belt I do not think he needs your absolute scrutiny.
He said fark all, Poppa. He's entitled to his opinion like all of us.
You attack many on here with very little reason and with even less wit.
Time for some 'real life' Poppa.
I don't call many out these days, but some times it's just gotta be said.
Talk about Pot and Kettle, you say you don't call many. The reason is you are not here enough to see much.
If you talk to Graham Polkingham he knows exactly what we are talking about, it has been an ongoing discussion for the past 18 months.
Time for some 'real life' Poppa? I am not dead yet Grunts!
Know where ya coming from Poppa. Yes we have had some good debate over DB.
thanks Graham, an honest response
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