Under long-term captain Mitchell Moses and new head coach Jason Ryles, the Parramatta Eels have endured a challenging 2025 campaign. In one of the season’s most eyebrow‑raising moves, star five‑eighth Dylan Brown has found himself increasingly pushed to the fringes.
Since signing a record-breaking $13 million 10-year deal to join the Newcastle Knights in 2026, Brown’s role at Parramatta has become uncertain—culminating in a bewildering deployment at hooker for Round 19, a position he’d never previously played.
With Mitch Moses sidelined, most expected Brown to anchor the halves. Instead, Ryles started Brown at hooker and later shifted him to lock mid-match, stirring outrage. Commentators questioned the strategy, with one calling it “absolutely crazy” and speculating Brown’s career at Parramatta may already be over.
Brown was subsequently dropped for the following game, listed as 18th man ahead of Round 20—underscoring his increasingly peripheral status.
After the controversial switch, Brown addressed the media:
“I’ve always said these deals are for security—so I can focus on playing good footy. The noise doesn’t affect me or my family. I’m still here and giving my best.”
Fans flooded social media with disbelief:
“What is Ryles doing? Brown is our only playmaker left!”
“Benching the match-winner in career‑low form? Madness.”
Ryles defended his stance, explaining:
“We are building for the future. Dylan understands that. We’ve had honest conversations and he’s been receptive—even in NSW Cup.”
The Eels have shown flashes of energy since their Round 1 capitulation, but inconsistent selection choices and defensive frailties persist. With Brown demoted and Moses injured, the blues of instability continue to haunt Parramatta’s season.
For Dylan Brown, what began as a lucrative contract has spiralled into confusion and career uncertainty. Whether Ryles is bold or just bewildering, Brown’s publicly questioned role signals deeper tensions. If the season ends with Brown sidelined, fans may wonder: is it club direction or player trust paying the price?
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