SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 29: Dylan Brown of the Eels Is tackled by Luke Keary of the Roosters during the round three NRL match between the Parramatta Eels and the Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium on March 29, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
After falling short in their pursuit of Cameron Munster and Ben Hunt, the Dolphins have set their sights on a new marquee halves signing for the future in the shape of Parramatta Eels five-eighth Dylan Brown.
The Daily Telegraph has confirmed that Dolphins officials have already been in touch with Brown’s management to request a meeting with the young half when he returns from World Cup duty with New Zealand.
Brown is officially a free agent ahead of the final year of his contract, meaning he can talk to rival clubs, and it looks like the Dolphins are following through on suggestions they would be targeting Brown and Eels halves partner Mitchell Moses following their failure to secure other targets.
While Moses is reportedly being courted by Tim Sheens and Wests Tigers in the hopes of a high-priced reunion with his former club, Brown’s management have confirmed that the 22-year-old has drawn interest from a number of clubs, not just the Dolphins – but it’s believed few have as big a war chest at their disposal as the NRL’s newest franchise.
“Once Dylan returns from his break we will certainly sit down and discuss his future,” said Chris Orr of Pacific Sports Management.
“As suggested in the media, if other clubs – including the Warriors, Dolphins or Titans – are interested and wishing to put their position forward to Dylan, then we will sit down and consider all options.
“There’s no doubt he is happy at Parramatta. Dylan has a great relationship with everyone at the club and it would take a massive deal to pull him out.
“The reality is Dylan is a different individual. He walks to the beat of his own drum.
“Dylan’s a cool customer. He isn’t getting carried away with media hype. We’re parking the contract issue for now and we’ll pick it up again when his football commitments end at the World Cup.”
Orr’s statement echoes Brown’s previous sentiments about wanting to stay in Parramatta, though it remains to be seen if the Eels have enough funds at their disposal to ensure they can make a competitive offer to keep him.
Coach Brad Arthur has previously admitted the club would have a fight on their hands to retain his services.
“You can’t keep them all, but when you’re losing good players it’s the reflection of a good club,” Arthur said last month.
“The good thing is he wants to stay, which is half the battle. Then you have to massage the situation in negotiations.
“We may not be able to compete with the money out there, but if we can table a deal that’s competitive, I’m sure Dylan will stay.”
The Dolphins launch their historic first pre-season next Monday, and currently still have four vacant spots in their first 30-man roster.
Source:: ZeroTackle
