LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Dylan Brown's inclusion in the Parramatta Eels' 22-man squad for their upcoming NRL match against the Cowboys is a significant factor behind grand final player Bailey Simonsson's third release request this month. Simonsson recently signed a new three-year contract with Parramatta until 2027, but tensions have developed between him and first-year coach Jason Ryles.
The situation intensified when Simonsson was not selected for the Eels' home match against North Queensland. This decision followed Sean Russell's injury after a game against the Melbourne Storm, which many expected would lead to Simonsson stepping in as Russell's replacement. However, Simonsson had expressed a preference to play on the wing to Ryles, which resulted in Jordan Samrani being named as the centre instead, while Simonsson was omitted from the squad.
Brown, who is heading to Newcastle next season, has been previously left out of the first-grade team, but his return to the squad for the upcoming game has reportedly triggered Simonsson's new release request. The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that Brown is likely to replace Samrani in the centre position.
The Eels already have a strong lineup on the wing, featuring NSW and Kangaroos star Zac Lomax and former representative player Josh Addo-Carr. This depth makes Simonsson's insistence to remain at the club somewhat perplexing, leading Ryles to prioritize Samrani and Brown over him for the centre role.