LEAK SPREADS LIKE WILDFIRE: Agent blows a fuse after being caught red-handed shopping $900k Eels star, adding fuel to the fire ahead of the season.
Parramatta Eels star Dylan Brown is making headlines after reports surfaced that he might explore opportunities in the open market, prompting his manager to express frustration over a leaked sales pitch email. Brown, a key playmaker for the Eels, is currently under contract with options to stay at the club until 2031, but it seems his long-term commitment to the team remains uncertain.
The controversy began when Brown’s manager, Gavin Orr, sent an email to multiple NRL clubs, as well as some rugby union teams, outlining the possibility of securing the services of the star player for the 2026 season and beyond. The email, which emphasized Brown’s status as a rare “franchise player,” was leaked to the media shortly after it was sent. Orr was visibly upset about the breach of confidentiality, stating, “I am disappointed that my actual email to CEOs, head of football, NRL coaches, and recruitment managers was leaked within minutes to the media.”
In response to the situation, the Parramatta Eels released a statement through their general manager of football, Mark O’Neill, addressing the speculation surrounding Brown’s future. O’Neill confirmed that Brown has a contractual option that allows him to make a decision by Round 10 of the upcoming season regarding his tenure with the team. He also emphasized the club’s desire to resolve the matter sooner rather than later. “We wanted to be proactive and get a resolution earlier, preferably before the season begins,” O’Neill explained. He added that the Eels are confident Brown will remain with the club, highlighting the strong bond they’ve built with the player since he joined the team as a teenager.
Brown’s current contract, valued at approximately $900,000 per season, includes a player option for 2026. While the star five-eighth has the ability to extend his stay with the Eels, reports suggest he is keen to explore his options in the open market before making a decision. His manager’s email invited clubs to express their interest in Brown, signaling a potential bidding war for the talented playmaker. The email read, “Please revert back to Gavin and me on email to register your club’s interest in securing the services of Dylan Brown for the 2026 season and beyond. Once we finalize the level of interest, we will work with you to set up an appropriate time to catch up with Dylan. These types of ‘Franchise Players’ don’t come on the market very often.”
The possibility of Brown leaving Parramatta has raised concerns for the Eels, who have a history of incorporating player options into contracts. While these clauses offer flexibility for players, they can also create uncertainty for the club. Last year, the Eels suffered a blow when promising junior Blaize Talagi chose not to activate his player option and instead signed with Penrith. This precedent, combined with Brown’s potential availability, underscores the risks associated with the team’s approach to contract negotiations.
Brown isn’t the only Eels player with contractual options that could impact the team’s future. Star halfback Mitchell Moses has similar clauses in his contract for the 2027 and 2028 seasons, while center Will Penisini also has options in his deal. These conditions allow players to reassess their situations and potentially move on if they believe better opportunities exist elsewhere.
Despite the speculation, Brown’s departure is far from certain. The Eels remain optimistic about retaining their star player, pointing to his happiness at the club and the strong foundation they’ve built together. “Dylan is happy at the club. He has been here since he was 16, and we have put a lot of time into Dylan during his career. We are confident he is going to stay and have a great season,” O’Neill said.
The situation has also highlighted the delicate nature of player management in professional sports. The leaked email incident demonstrates the challenges agents face when navigating the competitive landscape of player transfers and negotiations. Orr’s decision to reach out to both NRL and rugby union teams reflects the versatility and high demand for Brown’s skills, but it also underscores the importance of confidentiality in such matters. For Brown, testing the open market could be a strategic move to assess his value and explore new opportunities, whether that means staying with the Eels or joining another team.
The timing of this drama adds another layer of complexity, as it unfolds just weeks before the start of the NRL season. Parramatta will be eager to put this issue to rest quickly to avoid distractions during their campaign. The team has already faced challenges with player retention in recent years, and losing Brown would undoubtedly be a significant setback.
While the outcome remains uncertain, the situation surrounding Dylan Brown highlights the ever-evolving dynamics of professional sports contracts and player movement. For now, the Eels and their fans can only hope that their star playmaker decides to remain loyal to the club that has nurtured his career. With Round 10 serving as the deadline for Brown’s decision, all eyes will be on the Eels as they navigate this crucial period.
