LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Newcastle Knights legend Andrew Johns has expressed doubts about Dylan Brown's ability to live up to his record-breaking $13 million deal with the Knights, warning the club about what they are getting with the Eels five-eighth.
Johns believes that Brown will face extra scrutiny during the 2025 season, with every poor performance being heavily criticized due to his impending move.
Despite acknowledging Brown as an "amazing player," Johns questions whether he is the right fit to be the team's halfback and lead them effectively on the field.
Johns, who has worked with Brown in the past, emphasized the importance of the Knights knowing what they are getting for the substantial sum of money they are investing in the young player.
While Brown has the potential to prove his doubters wrong in the absence of his halves partner Mitchell Moses, Johns remains cautious about his ability to excel in the pivotal role of a playmaker.
Regarding Brown's performance in his first audition as the Eels' leading playmaker for the 2025 season, it didn't go as planned.
Playing in the No.6 jersey alongside young halfback Ronald Volkman, Parramatta suffered a crushing 56-18 defeat, raising further concerns about Brown's ability to manage a team effectively from the key halfback position.
As Brown faces pressure to perform and justify his high-value contract, Johns emphasized the need for the player to demonstrate his ability to control and direct the team from the pivotal No.7 position.
The upcoming weeks will serve as a critical audition for Brown, allowing observers to assess whether he has what it takes to meet the expectations that come with his historic NRL deal.