Parramatta Eels star Dylan Brown has officially confirmed he will depart the club at the end of the 2025 season, signing a record-breaking 10-year, $13 million deal with the Newcastle Knights — the richest contract in NRL history.
The blockbuster deal has stunned fans and sparked major waves across the league, with the 24-year-old playmaker set to anchor Newcastle’s spine for the next decade. Brown’s long-term commitment is a rare move in modern rugby league, and signals a major intent from the Knights to build a premiership-contending roster around him.
Brown said the decision wasn’t easy but felt it was time for a new challenge.
> “Parramatta has been home to me since my debut, but this was an opportunity I couldn’t ignore,” Brown said in a statement. “I’m fully committed to giving my all for the rest of 2025 before starting a new chapter in Newcastle.”
The Eels are now scrambling to find a replacement for their star five-eighth. Early reports link them to Wests Tigers prodigy Lachlan Galvin and even Jarome Luai, though no official offers have been confirmed.
Eels coach Brad Arthur acknowledged the loss but remained optimistic.
> “Dylan has been outstanding for our club. We respect his decision and now focus on the talent we have coming through — and who we may bring in next.”
With Brown and Jarome Luai both departing their clubs after 2025, the NRL playmaker market is set for a fierce bidding war. Parramatta, armed with over $1 million in cap space, will be one of the most active players.
As for the Knights, the signing of Dylan Brown is a massive statement of intent — and possibly the clearest sign yet that they’re ready to chase their first premiership since 2001.
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