LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Dylan Brown has emerged as a key figure for New Zealand, showcasing his skills in a challenging 2025 season to help the Kiwis secure a 24-18 victory against Samoa.
The visitors missed two critical opportunities in the final seven minutes of the match, committing errors by dropping the ball when they had open lines.
Brown ultimately proved to be the decisive player, particularly after a season where he found himself out of the Parramatta team, shortly before his upcoming move to Newcastle next year.
As Samoa surged forward, Brown extended New Zealand's lead to six points, leaping to catch a kick from Kieran Foran with just six minutes remaining.
The Kiwi number six skillfully maneuvered the ball around the upright and crossed the line, with video review confirming he had not committed a double movement.
Earlier in the match, Brown also made a crucial play that set the tone for the first half, putting the Kiwis ahead 18-12 at halftime.
With the game tied at 12-12 and Samoa gaining momentum, Brown executed a clever banana kick that caught Brian To'o and Matt Timoko off guard, allowing him to ground the ball for New Zealand.