Dylan Brown handed $13m opportunity as Broncos officially reverse Kevin Walters decision
The Parramatta playmaker has a golden chance to show he’s worth the money being thrown at him.
Mitchell Moses’ absence has handed Dylan Brown the perfect opportunity to show he’s worth the $13 million being offered by rival clubs, with the five-eighth tasked with leading the Eels against the Melbourne Storm on Sunday. And Michael Maguire has officially reversed some decisions made by Kevin Walters, handing starts to Cory Paix and Kobe Hetherington for the Broncos’ clash with the Roosters.
Moses was a shock omission when new Eels coach Jason Ryles named his team on Tuesday to take on the Storm, with Ronald Volkman set to play halfback instead. It means Brown will step up and be the chief playmaker – and it could go a long way to showing whether he’s worth the money being thrown at him.
The Newcastle Knights and another unnamed club have reportedly offered the Kiwi international 10-year deals in the realm of $13 million – which would be the biggest contract in NRL history. Brown has to decide whether he wants to use his exit clause at Parramatta before Round 10.
“There’s an opportunity for Dylan Brown, given the noise around him all summer,” Paul Crawley said on NRL 360 on Tuesday night. “He has to go out there and show he is the man.”
As many have pointed out, Brown usually plays his best footy when Moses is in the team. He’s struggled in the past when Moses has been out injured, and his performance against Melbourne might vindicate the $13 million offers or scare clubs off a bit.
Moses had foot surgery last year and is still experiencing some pain where a screw was inserted. “Mitch is experiencing soreness from a previous injury, we’re taking a cautious approach to ensure his foot heals properly and he can play his best football for the team,” Ryles said. “We will continue to monitor Mitch’s recovery and make an assessment on a return date next week.”
Meanwhile, new Broncos coach Maguire has stamped his authority after the Walters era, naming Paix at hooker and Hetherington at lock. Walters told both players they were free to speak to rival clubs about leaving the Broncos, but Maguire has now officially reversed that call.
Tellingly, Maguire has sent Walters’ son Billy back to the bench after he became the starting hooker under his father. Paix fell out of favour during Walters’ time in charge, with the 25-year-old toiling in Queensland Cup over the last two years.
