LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
NRL fans were left shocked when news broke that Dylan Brown would be leaving the Parramatta Eels to join the Newcastle Knights for a record-breaking $13 million deal.
The timing of the announcement raised eyebrows, as it came just after Brown's lackluster performance in the opening round game against the Melbourne Storm.
NRL legends Mat Rogers and Scott Sattler questioned the timing of the news, with Sattler suggesting that Brown's signing may have been a ploy to keep star player Kalyn Ponga at the Knights.
Despite the doubts surrounding Brown's worthiness of such a lucrative contract, it was reported that the Knights had no intention of withdrawing their offer.
Brown, who currently wears the No.6 jersey for the Eels, led the team in their disappointing loss to the Storm, prompting further speculation about his abilities as a halfback.
However, it was ultimately revealed that Brown had made the decision to move to Newcastle in 2026, leaving his teammates and fans stunned.
The massive deal would see Brown earn more than double what he could have made if he had stayed with the Eels.
The decision to switch clubs for such a significant sum was met with mixed reactions, as some questioned whether Brown would be able to live up to the expectations that came with such a hefty price tag.
The timing of the announcement, coming right after a poor performance on the field, only added fuel to the fire of speculation and doubt.
Overall, the news of Dylan Brown's record-breaking deal with the Knights generated controversy and differing opinions within the NRL community.
While some believed that the move was a smart financial decision for Brown, others questioned the motives behind the timing of the announcement and its potential impact on both the Eels and the Knights' future strategies.
Only time will tell if Brown's move to Newcastle will pay off in the long run.