NRL’s Biggest Contract Ever: Dylan Brown Joins Newcastle Knights in 2026
Dylan Brown, a New Zealand player, signed a record-setting $13 million for a 10-year deal with the Newcastle Knights. It’s the best deal the NRL has ever seen. Brown is with the Parramatta Eels right now. He has a deal with them until the end of the 2025 season. Then he will join the Knights in 2026.
The 24-year-old five-eighth has been a key player for the Eels since his NRL debut in 2019—he has played 124 games and been a big part of their recent wins. Even though he is leaving soon, Brown has promised Eels fans that he will be there for the whole season.
The Knights aim to win the premiership again, something they haven’t done since 2001, and they believe Dylan Brown’s great ability to make plays will complement star fullback Kalyn Ponga. Both players, however, are extremely expensive, raising concerns about the team’s salary budget and backup options.
Different NRL experts have had different opinions to the deal. Andrew Johns, a legendary player for Newcastle, said that Dylan Brown was talented but didn’t think he was ready to be the main playmaker, especially given how big the deal was.
Paul Gallen, a former star in the NRL, also called the long-term deal “irresponsible,” pointing out the risks that come with making such long-term obligations.
On the other hand, Phil Gould, a veteran NRL commentator, knows the Knights’ choice. He says it’s because there aren’t many great playmakers and clubs need to get the best players when they can.
Gould stressed how important it was to have playmakers of the highest level to stay competitive in the game.
As Brown gets ready for his last season with the Eels, everyone in rugby league will be keeping a close eye on how he does and what this historic deal means for the Knights’ future as a whole.
