Five-eighth Dylan Brown has agreed to a multi-year extension to remain at Parramatta until at least the end of 2025 with an option to remain an Eel until 2031.
Brown has progressed through the Eels Junior Pathways system since 2016 and has made 82 first grade appearances for the Club following his NRL debut in 2019 at just 18 years of age. He has also represented New Zealand in 5 Test matches.
“I left New Zealand to pursue an NRL career when I was 15, and the Eels have been home for me ever since. It’s been an amazing journey so far, and the Club has an exciting future that I want to be part of for a long time,” he said.
“I’m grateful to be a part of this Club, from Brad and the coaches to my teammates, all the staff, our members and fans, I couldn’t picture myself anywhere else.”
Parramatta Eels General Manager of Football Mark O’Neill said: “Dylan has just played the best season of his career helping us reach the Grand Final and earning him a representative spot for the Kiwis at the World Cup, and at just 22 years of age his best footy is still ahead of him.”
Parramatta Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos said the extension adds to the strong nucleus of players who have already signed long term deals with the Eels including co-captains Junior Paulo and Clint Gutherson, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Ryan Matterson and Shaun Lane.
“It has been exciting to watch Dylan’s game progress since he joined our junior ranks in 2016. We have a strong forward pack for our halves to play behind, we’ve made some great new additions to our squad including a world class hooker, and we’re excited about the young talent coming through our pathways system,” he said.
“Brad and the coaching staff did a wonderful job last season, and with their track record of developing players we’re in a position to compete for premierships each year, and Dylan’s commitment to the Club is a key part of that.
“Dylan is a great ambassador for our Club and is loved by everyone at the Eels. We are so fortunate to have a person like Dylan being a big part of our future – we hope he stays in the Blue and Gold for life”.
A fan favourite, Brown won the Blue & Gold Army Award at the annual Ken Thornett Medal presentation this year, as well as the Ray Price Community Medal for his work with our community partner Ronald McDonald House.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.