Eels playmaker Dylan Brown has given his biggest indication yet that he’ll be staying at the club, while teammate Nathan Brown admits he could be leaving.
Five-eighth Brown has enjoyed the best season of his budding career and will represent New Zealand at the World Cup next month.
The 22-year-old was below his best in their grand final loss to Penrith, but that’s not expected to impact his price tag when he hits the open market on November 1.
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Brown can next month sign with rival clubs for 2024 and the star No. 6 is expected to attract offers above $800,000 per season.
In the sheds after the loss on Sunday night, Brown initially joked “I’m chasing as much cash as possible” before the jovial No. 6 became reflective on the decision in front of him.
“It’s past money. You get to a point in your career where it’s not about money, you have to look at those things but it gets more than that,” Brown told foxsports.com.au.
“It’s where you’re comfortable, it’s the environment you’re in, to the coaches, to your halves partner is, it’s things like that.
“I’m happy with where I’m at this year and just keen on the World Cup to be honest.”
Parramatta coach Brad Arthur is confident Brown will stay despite admitting the Eels will be unlikely to match some offers from rival clubs.
Brown has developed significantly since joining Arthur’s side as a raw but talented teenager at the end of 2018.
“I’ve been here my whole career so it’s been massive (for my growth) and that’s props to people like Brad,” Brown said.
“He’s changed so much, I’ve been under him for four years and every single year I learn so much from him and he learns so much from the players.
“I feel like he’s put aside the brave, the tough way of coaching and he’s understanding each players as an individual.
“He still has that tough side but he definitely still understands each player and knows what’s he gets the best through them so props to him.”
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Eels enforcer Nathan Brown was dramatically selected in the grand final after being left out of first grade for almost three months leading into the game.
The no-nonsense forward attracted plenty of headlines this season and is contracted at the club next year, but admits his future is up in the air.
“That’s part of rugby league I guess, I try not to focus on all that type of stuff, I just wanted to focus on doing my job for the team,” Brown told foxsports.com.au.
“I’m signed here for another year but footy’s a business so no matter where I end up I’ll give it a crack.”
Meanwhile, Panthers utility Jaeman Salmon is the only premiership-winner from Sunday night without a deal signed for 2023.
“The boys have been hearing the name best team of the modern era for a while now and I’m pretty sure it’s fitting,” Salmon said.
“Three grand finals in a row, two wins and who knows what the future holds.
“It’s up to me and my manager at the moment, there’s a contract on the table (with Penrith) and we’re just sorting things out.”
