Dylan Brown has become the hottest topic in the NRL over the past week – but don’t expect to see the Parramatta superstar switch codes.
News broke last week that Brown could be set to test the open market, despite having a lengthy contract with the Eels that could run until the end of 2031.
However, an option in his favour for each season could see Brown walk out early, with the five-eighth having until round 10 to commit for the following year.
The 24-year-old has emerged as one of the best playmakers in the competition since bursting onto the scene as a teenager and is now in high demand with rival clubs.
At this stage, there has yet to be any particular team emerge as a front-runner, while there is always a high chance that Brown remains in blue and gold.
Since an email from his management was circulated last week, rumours also started to swirl that Brown could be of interest to Rugby Australia, despite the five-eighth being born in New Zealand and already representing the Kiwis in the 13-man code
The 24-year-old has emerged as one of the best playmakers in the competition since bursting onto the scene as a teenager and is now in high demand with rival clubs.
At this stage, there has yet to be any particular team emerge as a front-runner, while there is always a high chance that Brown remains in blue and gold.
Since an email from his management was circulated last week, rumours also started to swirl that Brown could be of interest to Rugby Australia, despite the five-eighth being born in New Zealand and already representing the Kiwis in the 13-man code.
Brown moved across from Auckland at the age of 15 and was selected for the rugby league Australian Schoolboys as a teenager, but withdrew due to injury.
But in an interview with SEN Radio on Monday morning, chief executive Phil Waugh shut down those reports and said they would focus on developing their own talent.
“Not really,” he said.
“I saw some commentary from RA on that and we are focused on our own backyard and want to keep on developing. We have got some great depth across all positions.
“[Head coach] Joe [Schmidt] is building a strong culture in and amongst the group.
“We’ve always got an open mind … Joe has built a really strong squad. I think that what you will see is players that play with each other frequently will perform.”
RA landed a major coup in the code wars by signing Joseph Suaalii, who has already starred for the Wallabies and will remain in the 15-man game until the next World Cup.