Dylan Brown could be an Eel for life.
Parramatta has locked in the in-demand playmaker until the end of 2025, but Brown has an option in his favour until 2031.
“I left New Zealand to pursue an NRL career when I was 15 and the Eels have been home for me ever since,” he said.
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“The club has an exciting future that I want to be part of for a long time.”
The Eels five-eighth turned down offers from rival clubs – including Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins – to remain with last year’s runners-up for at least the next three years.
“I couldn’t picture myself anywhere else,” Brown said.
Eels chief executive Jim Sarantinos said Brown is one of the “elite players in his position, which he’s developed into over the last few years”.
“I’m sure there was a lot of interest. We’re committed to Dylan for the long term. We want to see Dylan in a blue and gold jersey for his entire career.”
The first option in Brown’s favour is in 2026, with a further option part-way through the six-year period.
“We respected his and his manager’s wishes and we’re comfortable with where we landed,” Sarantinos said.
“The deal was negotiated heavily on both sides and ultimately this is where we landed.
“He’s accomplished a lot and he’s got much ahead of him, but it’s a journey for him and it’s a journey we want to go on with him.
“Dylan has been with our club since the age of 15 and I think that the club’s done a helluva lot for Dylan and Dylan’s done a helluva lot for the club.
“We’re confident we can continue to do that and when the time comes, ensure Dylan stays committed to the club for the long term.”
Brown’s re-signing eases pressure on Parramatta whose attention turns to re-signing Mitchell Moses.
Like Brown, Moses is a wanted man. The Bulldogs and Wests Tigers are both reportedly interested in signing the halfback.
“The priority was to lock both of them up and that remains the case,” Sarantinos said.
“We’re still very keen for (Moses) to be at the club long term and that’s our priority and the discussions are still continuing.
“The guys (Brown and Moses) showed how well they combined this year and they took us to a grand final.
“To have one of the best halves pairings is critical in the success of any team.
“(Re-signing both players would leave) us in a really strong position to maintain a level of competitiveness and be a premiership threat each year.”
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