Dylan Brown has claimed security and not money was his main driver in agreeing to join the Newcastle Knights on a momentous deal.
The New Zealand international will become the owner of the most valuable contract in NRL history next season after signing a 10-year deal worth a staggering $13 million.
The 24-year-old will leave Parramatta at the end of 2025.
Brown told teammates of his decision on Monday, less than 24 hours after the Eels began the season under new coach Jason Ryles with a 56-18 loss to Melbourne.
“Money has never really been a thing for me, it’s the 10 years of security,” he said.
“I just signed a deal with Parra before (in December 2022)… and that was 10 years and purely based on security.
“I never wanted to leave and I had a few discussions with Parramatta and they put forward their best contract and the Knights’ (offer) was too hard to turn down.
“It’s the longevity of the contract, not so much the money, but it is a lot of money.”
Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien, perhaps wary of tempting fate, refused to discuss the signing on Wednesday, a day out from the Knights’ round-two clash with the Dolphins.
“The Dylan Brown situation has got a process to go through… and I reckon I’ll respect that process,” he said.
“There will come a time and place to talk about Dylan.”
Brown is expected to move from five-eighth to become Newcastle’s chief playmaker as the team’s halfback.
Among those to raise concerns over his ability to handle the switch to No. 7 was Knights great Andrew Johns.
“Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion, but I’m the one on the footy field, doing my best,” Brown said.
“That’s all I can do, and when I go to the Knights, nothing’s going to change.”
Throughout his career at the Eels, Brown has played second fiddle to halves partner Mitchell Moses and struggled to control a side when the latter’s been unavailable.
“I’ve obviously been a six all my career,” he said.
“(Playing as a No. 7), I’m learning on the go, nothing happens quickly.
“I’m willing to learn. I’m willing to take on the challenge.”
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