The Parramatta Eels have officially confirmed that Dylan Brown will leave the club at the end of the 2025 season, following acceptance of a record-breaking long-term deal with the Newcastle Knights starting in 2026.
Brown’s contract with an estimated value of $13 million over 10 years is widely regarded as the most lucrative in NRL history.
Bottom line: the Eels will enter the 2026 season without Dylan Brown, creating a major gap in their playmaking spine.
Stability in the Halfback Position? Not So Fast
While Brown’s departure leaves one half of the pairing vacant, captain Mitchell Moses remains locked in with the Eels through at least 2029, assuring some continuity in the halves.
However, the long-term picture remains uncertain. Moses’s contract reportedly includes player options that could allow an early exit after 2027 or 2028. The club is actively working with his management to eliminate these exit clauses, aiming to keep him from leaving prematurely.
Summary at a Glance
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Dylan Brown | Departing after 2025; joining Knights |
| Mitchell Moses | Under contract until 2029; options remain |
What This Means for the Eels
- The Eels will undeniably start 2026 without one half of their current spine, with Dylan Brown gone.
- While Moses’s long-term presence offers some stability, the potential for his early departure adds uncertainty.
- Parramatta must now identify or develop a playmaker to partner with Moses going forward—whether through recruitment, promotion from within their pathways, or restructured halves.
