LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Dylan Brown has been given a $13 million opportunity to prove his worth as he steps up to lead the Eels in the absence of Mitchell Moses against the Melbourne Storm.
This comes as rival clubs like the Newcastle Knights have reportedly offered Brown lucrative 10-year deals, making it the biggest contract in NRL history.
Brown must decide whether to use his exit clause at Parramatta before Round 10.
As new Eels coach Jason Ryles surprised many by omitting Moses from the lineup, Brown has been tasked with taking on the role of chief playmaker.
"There's an opportunity for Dylan Brown, given the noise around him all summer," noted Paul Crawley on NRL 360.
Brown's performance in this crucial match against Melbourne will be a determining factor in whether he can live up to the massive offers being made to him.
However, Brown's track record without Moses in the team has raised some concerns, as he has struggled in the past when his partner in the halves has been absent due to injury.
The pressure is on Brown to show that he can perform at his best even without Moses by his side, as his display against Melbourne will either justify the hefty offers or potentially scare off interested clubs.
Meanwhile, Michael Maguire has made significant changes to the Broncos lineup, giving starts to Cory Paix and Kobe Hetherington for their clash with the Roosters.
This decision marks a reversal of some choices made by former coach Kevin Walters.
On the other hand, Moses continues to recover from foot surgery and is experiencing lingering pain, prompting a cautious approach from the Eels to ensure his full recovery before returning to the field.
Ryles emphasized the importance of monitoring Moses' progress and assessing a return date in the coming week.