$13m recruit Dylan Brown reveals housing mix-up in 'strange' Newcastle welcome as new-look spine gets to work

The pressure that comes with a $13 million deal is not going to rattle the mindset of Newcastle recruit Dylan Brown, he claims, newly armed with the confidence of leading New Zealand to victory in the season-ending Pacific Championships.

The New Zealand international put on a show throughout the international tournament last month, helping lead the Kiwis back to their winning ways in a comprehensive final victory over contenders for the 2026 World Cup trophy, Samoa.

NRL news 2025, opinion on Dylan Brown signing with Newcastle Knights, halfback issue and Kalyn Ponga salaries, exclusive

Brown’s success in the tournament earned him a Golden Boot nomination, leaving many Newcastle fans hopeful that he will be able to continue that form into next season.

It was an impressive showing at the end of a difficult season for Brown, who was overlooked on several occasions by Parramatta coach Jason Ryles, who started to experiment with his spine ahead of the 2026 season.

While Brown languished at the Eels, the Knights were stuck in a wooden spoon battle that partly instigated a coaching change after Adam O’Brien decided to quit his post. Justin Holbrook has since taken the reins.

Dylan Brown is set to play in the Knights colours until 2036.

None of the off-field machinations distracted Brown, who said he was focused on what he needs to deliver for his new club.

“I spoke to Justin about the (Pacific Championships) campaign,” he said during his first media commitment at the Knights.

“I obviously want to play good footy no matter what. To be able to play like that for the Kiwis was good for my mental space, and for Justin, too.

“It’s exciting I can play that brand of footy and hopefully I can continue that next year.”

Still, Brown was unable to answer the biggest question that hangs over the Knights ahead of their 2026 campaign: what position will he play in Holbrook’s new look spine?

The 25-year-old has played most of his career in the No.6, but it is likely that he could be shifted into the role of halfback to partner with young star Fletcher Sharpe, who is an accomplished ball runner but not yet considered a game manager.

Sharpe had made clear in the past that no internal discussions had unfolded about what number he would be wearing in 2026 – and it seems they still haven’t happened.

“There’s been no chat around that yet,” Brown replied, when asked if he will be in the 6 or 7 jersey.

“Justin (Holbrook) has been really good. He is not sure. I’m happy to play wherever, but I don’t think the number is too important at this stage.”

Fletcher Hunt of the Knights. — Fletcher Hunt in action for the Newcastle Knights. NRL Imagery

Set to stay in Newcastle for the next 10 years, Brown has settled into life in the Hunter.

However, he did encounter one bizarre problem when he first arrived.

“It was funny, I actually moved up and there was a man living in the granny flat where I was supposed to live,” Brown revealed.

“It was a strange welcoming, we made a new friend.”

Aside from that incident, Brown has been enjoying life at the beach, on the golf course and at home with his new baby boy, Marley.

“Any time you leave the house is sad when you have a new baby,” Brown said.

“It is probably the biggest thing that has happened to me in my life. Little Marley, he is awesome.

“We love it (in Newcastle). I haven’t had much to do with Newcastle, but within a week I knew I made a good decision.”

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