Dylan Brown says he is “willing” to become an NRL halfback if that is the role Newcastle wants him to play.
But Knights coach Adam O’Brien flat out refused to discuss the club’s biggest ever signing despite Brown’s 10-year deal being confirmed by the player and his current club Parramatta.
The decade-long contract is said to be worth up to $14 million over its entirety and begins next year.
Given the NRL is presumably yet to sign off on the deal, O’Brien batted away questions at his press conference on Wednesday.
“I’m not talking about Dylan Brown,” the coach said.
“I’m willing to talk about the Dolphins, round one (first game) here (in Newcastle).
“The Dylan Brown situation, it has a process to go through and I reckon I’ll respect that process.
“I understand the question, but the club… there will come a time and place to talk about Dylan, but right now I’m focused on tomorrow night and the halves we have there.”
Brown, on the other hand, had no qualms discussing the situation when he fronted cameras in Sydney a few hours later.
The 24-year-old will become the equal highest paid player in the game next year, alongside only his new Knights teammate Kalyn Ponga.
Brown says Ponga played a role – although unknowingly – in convincing the five-eighth to ditch the Eels.
“Obviously the team was a factor. You look at the club and they’ve got good players,” Brown told media.
“I feel like they’re quite similar to us in the way they play, they are competitors.
“They’ve got Kalyn Ponga at the back, and Fletcher Sharpe is an amazing player too.
“I obviously looked at those people when I was making my decision, and I’m happy to go join them.”
Criticism of Newcastle has come thick and fast since the news broke on Monday night.
The Knights are under fire for forking out up to $1.4m a year on a running five-eighth, when what the club actually needed was a quality halfback.
Analysts including Matty Johns and Cooper Cronk have cast doubt on Brown’s ability to wear the No.7 jumper.
That has been evident every time Eels halfback Mitchell Moses has been out in recent seasons, with Brown struggling to adapt to the role of senior playmaker.
He admits his past failings, but says he will learn how to do the job if O’Brien wants him to.
“I’ve obviously met with them and we discussed the way we want to play. Numbers on the back haven’t really been discussed,” he said.
“I’ve obviously been a six all my career. Last year I had opportunities to fill that number (seven).
“I’m learning on the go. Nothing happens quick like that, it takes time. This year Mitch has been out so I’ve had more practice.
“If that happens I’m willing to learn, I’m willing to take on the challenge.”
Brown would not be drawn on the criticism of his contract or the fact he is not a halfback.
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I’m the one on the footy field,” he said.
“I’m doing my best, that’s all I can do, and when I go to the Knights nothing is going to change.”
The Knights scraped home against the Tigers in round one with Sharpe playing the new role of No.6, and Jack Cogger at halfback.
They line up that way again for Thursday’s game against the Dolphins.
There is speculation O’Brien plans to turn Sharpe into a halfback so Brown can wear the No.6 next year.
