LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Newcastle Knights CEO Philip Gardner has thrown his hat in the ring in the pursuit of Parramatta Eels star Dylan Brown, revealing that the club is willing to offer the talented five-eighth a whopping 10-year contract.
In a bold move that could shake up the league, Gardner is determined to lure Brown away from the Eels and bolster the Knights' lineup.
Acknowledging the tough task of prying Brown from his current club, Gardner expressed his confidence in the Knights' recruitment efforts.
"We think Dylan, or someone of his caliber, could be the missing piece in the puzzle," Gardner said in an interview with SMH.
While the Knights have faith in the development of Fletcher Sharpe, as well as the skills of Jack Cogger and Tyson Gamble, they are eager to bring in top-tier talent like Brown.
"You always want those star players to don your jersey, and we see Dylan Brown fitting that bill perfectly," Gardner added.
If Brown were to accept Newcastle's offer, he would join a select group of NRL players who have committed to decade-long deals, with the likes of Jason Taumalolo from the Cowboys and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui from the Titans being the only others to sign such lengthy contracts.
The Knights are clearly willing to go the extra mile in their pursuit of Brown, hoping to make a game-changing move that could propel them to success in the league.