Eels star’s reaction to Bennett poaching attempt

In-demand Parramatta star Dylan Brown has hinted he would be keen to play under NRL supercoach Wayne Bennett at the Dolphins.

Brown has now entered the final year of his Eels contract, meaning rival clubs have been allowed to formally negotiate with him since November 1.

While he is in England playing for the Kiwis at the World Cup, his agent Chris Orr has already been fielding phone calls at home in Australia.

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Reports claim up to six rival clubs have already entered the race for the 22-year-old’s signature.

They include the Dolphins – the NRL’s 17th team which welcomed players to training for the first time on Monday, as they prepare to enter the competition officially in March.

Brown was quizzed by 9News about the possibility of linking up with Bennett in season 2024.

“He is a super coach… but you’ll have to wait and see.,” he responded with a grin.

When pressed further on whether he is keen to play for the Dolphins, Brown replied, “no comment”.

Bennett was asked about the Brown reports when he fronted media following training in Redcliffe on Monday.

“He’s a quality player,” Bennett said of Brown.

“I saw him play for New Zealand, he played really well. When he comes on the market if he wants to leave Parramatta we would be interested.”

Bennett has committed to coaching the Dolphins in 2023 and 2024, but will reportedly then hand the reigns to Kristian Woolf – currently the Tonga men’s national coach – ahead of season 2025.

That means Brown would only get to play one season under Bennett if he did join the Dolphins.

Bennett and the Dolphins have already been knocked back by a host of top-line spine players including Cameron Munster, Kalyn Ponga, and Reece Walsh.

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