Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins have reportedly begun negotiations to sign Eels playmaker Dylan Brown as the club’s marquee superstar.
The NRL’s newest franchise are reportedly prepared to offer the 22-year-old a $1 million per-season deal, with a four to five year deal being discussed according to The Daily Telegraph.
Brown’s Parramatta contract expires at the end of the 2023 season and the young gun is reportedly content to remain under Brad Arthur.
Watch every match of the Rugby League World Cup LIVE & Exclusive to Fox Sports, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
However, the Eels now face huge battle to keep their gun five-eighth while both Brown and halfback Mitchell Moses can negotiate with rivals.
Brown’s current contract is reportedly worth around $800,000 per-season and Parramatta powerbrokers are desperate to retain him on a long-term deal.
Bennett’s Dolphins have missed out on a list of marquee superstars including Cameron Munster, Kalyn Ponga and Harry Grant — and recruitment boss Peter O’Sullivan is leading the charge to sign Brown.
While at the Warriors, Sullivan reportedly offered Brown a six-year $2.69 million deal — before he’d even played a first grade game.
MORE NRL NEWS
XMAS WISHES: Broncos’ big hope as Dolphins face worrying void; Eels sweat on duo
‘GAME DOESN’T SLOW DOWN’: Hastings reveals Joey’s advice after Knights switch
TRANSFER CENTRE: Tigers hand boom young gun bumper contract extension
FINCH: Disgraced ex-NRL star avoids jail for child sex abuse messages
Terrific Tedesco torches Samoa | 01:00
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
Meanwhile, Moses is being heavily pursuited by both the Tigers and Bulldogs, but the Eels are confident they can keep both players.
“It comes back to the quality of player and he (Brown) is a quality player,” Bennett said.
“I saw him play for New Zealand (at the World Cup) and I thought he played really well.
“If he goes to the open market and he wants to leave Parramatta, we will be interested.”
Brown enjoyed a career-best season in 2022 which saw the Eels reach the grand final.
The gun playmaker recording 17 try assists and scored 11 tries across his 28 appearances, whilst also guiding the Kiwis to a semi final in the World Cup.
