NRL newcomers the Dolphins are growing increasingly confident in their chase for star Parramatta five-eighth Dylan Brown, potentially giving Wayne Bennett the dream halves partnership of the future.
The talk is the Dolphins will go in excess of $1-million-a-season to tempt the Kiwi star away from Parramatta, which is way more than the Eels are prepared to pay to keep Brown.
The other concern for the Eels is that potentially losing Mitchell Moses would also make it more temping for Brown to leave, especially on the back of the recent exit of gun dummy half Reed Mahoney to the Bulldogs.
And the growing fear is it could ultimately end up costing the 2022 NRL grand finalists it’s two biggest stars.
But for Bennett it could end up the key signing the Dolphins have been sweating on all year after copping it for all the players they have missed out on.
Bennett is not only a massive fan of the star Kiwi five-eighth, but he already has gun teenager Isaiya Katoa locked away as the Dolphins’ long-term No.7.
Katoa is widely considered the most dominant young playmaker emerging in the game, with the Penrith junior recently playing for Tonga at the World Cup.
Given Brown is still only 22, it would give the NRL’s newest franchise a massive foundation for years to come.
Meanwhile, Moses stands to pocket as much as $1.4 million-a-season to sign with Wests Tigers, which would make him the highest paid player in the game.
And while the Bulldogs won’t go that big, they are said to be willing to go to well over the reported $1m-a-season the Eels are currently prepared to pay to keep their star halfback.
The other potential factor in all this is that the Dogs are also closing in on signing Penrith centre Stephen Crichton to play fullback.
Securing Moses would complete a star-studded spine when you throw in Mahoney at hooker and Matt Burton at five-eighth.
But where that would potentially leave Parramatta is in a world of hurt.
It is understood Moses’ camp has told the Tigers and Dogs he will let them know his answer one way or another by Christmas.
And while Brown is not expected to make his final decision until closer to the start of the new season in March, the longer it drags out the more it puts Parramatta in an unenviable position
Replies
Chief, i will make judgement on juniors next season as there are some good kids coming through and yes we need to ensure we get the right ones and keep them; and this is also indicative of the coaching staff and them being equipped with good coaching from the club.
On MM and DB time will tell; and yes maybe we should have had both but DB always said he would make a call after the season and MM was a different one; I believe he has changed manager since last contract and this to me may be the issue with it being dragged out. If either leave it will possibly be for more $$$ but think our offer will be on the mark. Yes may need to pay a little more to keep but we need to.
I don't want these players low balled but don't think the club will do this; but time will tell.
Jake A like a few others from his age group has been in the clubs system for a few yrs now and he got through on merit in my view; i was like a few here in querying if he was the best option on bench and still think Rein should have been given more time, but again i didnt see any reggies last season.
Jake A wasn't the reason we lost the GF by the way; it was to me a combination of not being the best prepared; playing our big game the week earlier and also our big players not having their best game when it mattered. Just my view mate.
Thumbs up here Mitchy.
Ive mentioned this point often with regarding juniors coming through if there not willing to pony up for DB what hope is there for the next talent like him.It becomes a vicious circle.
I've never been a Mitch Rein fan like ever and if I could have my hindsight glasses on I would kill for Joey Lussick. I think the club was banking on Nathaniel Roache beating his injury cross but alas no cigar.
Joey Lussick would have been good Coryn, and we had Roache too but it didnt work out. I still feel we will kick stones for a while as we had the team beat Penrith too in the GF; but didnt aim up. But that was the story for every second or third game!
How can we be losing so many when the Bulldogs within the space of 2 cycles have been able to buy
1. Burton $600K
2. Mahoney $650K
3. Kikau $ 800K
4. Addo Carr $550K
5. Corey Alan $550K
6. Tavita Pengai Junior $925K
7. Luke Thompson $800K
they are looking at Moses on $1.3m
About to sign Crichten from Panthers
Have just signed Bronson Xerri.
Thats over 7million for 10 players
leaving around 3 million for the last 20 players, or $150K each.
I think we need to break the bank to employ GUS.
Nothing to see here. Gus says it's all legit.
Burton is set for a bigger pay check to
Blue Eel Blue Eel, are these figures for 2023 or 2024?
Aren't you getting bored 🥱🥱 and tired 😴😴 of continually reading, sharing and hearing about Dylan Brown and Mitchell Moses
This saga was always going to be our offseason.. I said it before the season ended.
The facts are the 2024 Cap hasn't been finalised. The media are being fed info purely from player agents who are trying to drive the player market. They give zero fucks about the state of clubs finances or playing roster, they just want to drive discussion and the value of their players across the board. If Mitch signs for 900k the value of the halback market takes a slight hit. They want it out there hes capable of earning 1.4 mil and thats the going rate for the top tier halfbacks. Neither Mitch or Dylan are ringing Riccio to tell them of their future plans or what offers they have on the table.
Dylan is going to be linked to the Warriors and Dolphins until he signs. A random suiter like the Roosters or Broncos will emerge. The cylce will just continure to go on.
Mitch seems to be headed to the Tigers and Dogs.. the 2 clubs most in need of a 7. The Dolphins seem to be out because Bennett hasn't wanted him in the past. Its all just media adding 1 + 1 and getting 3. I wouldnt know how these media people get paid for the absolute dog shit they write but threads like this show they hit the spot with people and drive their offseason. Everyone needs to relax, the clubs prior perceived slowness and letting people walk has all been with a view to holding onto those who they prioritise most.
Having said that it would be nice to have players at the club who profess their desire to stay here and how much they love the club when asked rather then flirting with shit openly...but thats the personality of these dudes. From the outside looking in I think Dylan likes to be loved and Mitch's ego likes the attention to be honest.
Snottie Pimpin good points Snittie; and from memory Moses manager now is not the same one he had last time he re-signed with us?