LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Dylan Brown's recent transition from five-eighth to hooker at the Parramatta Eels has raised eyebrows and signaled a possible end to his role as a playmaker for the team.
Coach Jason Ryles made the unexpected decision ahead of a match against the Penrith Panthers, opting to give rookie Joash Papalii a shot at the halves instead of utilizing Brown in his designated No.
6 position.
Reports indicate that Brown is set to join Newcastle next season on a lucrative 10-year, $13 million deal.
Given that the Eels currently sit in 15th place with minimal chances of making the finals, Ryles appears to be shifting focus to the future.
This move seems to suggest that Brown's tenure as Parramatta's starting five-eighth may be coming to a close.
Legendary player Greg Alexander supports Ryles' decision, emphasizing the importance of allowing Papalii to potentially fill the role alongside Mitch Moses in the long term.
"It's very odd," Alexander commented on SEN radio, noting Ryles' forward-thinking approach.
He pointed out that the Eels' lack of playoff prospects makes it logical to reconsider current player alignments.
Alexander further speculated whether Newcastle might have second thoughts about their investment in Brown after observing his recent performances with the Eels.
The coach's choice to replace Brown during the first half and only reintroduce him in the closing moments of a 32-10 loss to Penrith suggests a diminishing role for the Kiwi star in the team's future plans.
"For Brown, has he done anything? Is he doing things during the game that are likely to win you a game? I'd say not," Alexander critiqued Brown's current form, raising concerns that Newcastle may be reconsidering their decision: "Newcastle would be watching this and thinking '(is) that the man?'"
Overall, this unexpected positional change paints a complex picture of Brown's future in the NRL, highlighting both the challenges he faces at Parramatta and the uncertainties surrounding his move to Newcastle.