In a major shake-up for the NRL, star five-eighth Dylan Brown has officially confirmed he will join the Newcastle Knights from the 2026 season on a record-breaking 10-year deal worth $13 million.
Speaking earlier today, Brown said, “I’ve signed the deal. It’s a massive opportunity, and I’m ready to give everything to the Knights.”
While Rugby Australia had previously denied any involvement in luring Brown across codes, RA CEO Phil Waugh revealed this week that an offer was indeed made in late 2024. “We explored the possibility of bringing Dylan into the Wallabies setup,” Waugh said. “There was an offer on the table, but ultimately he chose to stay in league.”
The deal cements Brown’s future in rugby league and makes him one of the highest-paid players in NRL history. Parramatta Eels officials have expressed disappointment over losing their playmaker but acknowledged the magnitude of the Knights’ offer made it difficult to compete.
