Newcastle Knights' high-profile signing, Dylan Brown, has recounted the unusual circumstances that greeted him upon his arrival in the Hunter Valley, following his monumental shift from the Parramatta Eels.
A 'Strange' Welcome for the $13 Million Man
The Kiwi international, who secured a landmark 10-year, $13 million deal with the Knights in March, found himself in an unexpected situation when he went to move into his new accommodation. The 25-year-old playmaker discovered someone already residing in the granny flat he was supposed to occupy.
"It was funny, I actually moved up [from Sydney] and there was a man living in the granny flat where I was supposed to live," Brown explained to reporters. He described the incident as a "strange welcoming," but added light-heartedly that his family had ultimately "made a new friend" from the encounter.
Family First in a New Chapter
Brown has not made the move north alone. He has been joined by his partner, Bella, and their baby son, Marley, marking a significant personal milestone alongside his professional one. The new father described parenthood as "probably the biggest thing that has happened to me in my life," calling little Marley "awesome."
He admitted that leaving the house is now a bittersweet experience, stating, "Any time you leave the house is sad when you have a new baby." Despite the upheaval, the family is settling in well, with Brown expressing his quick satisfaction with the decision. "We love it [in Newcastle]. I haven't had much to do with Newcastle, but within a week I knew I made a good decision."
Pressure and Promise for the Knights
Brown's talent has never been in doubt since his first-grade debut with the Eels in 2019, and he arrives fresh from guiding New Zealand to Pacific Championships glory, earning a Golden Boot award nomination. However, consistency will be key for the playmaker as he shoulders the weight of his life-changing contract and aims to prove his worth to the Knights' faithful.
A key tactical question remains unanswered: it is still unknown whether new coach Justin Holbrook will deploy Brown in his preferred five-eighth role or at halfback for the 2026 season.
The Knights, who collected the wooden spoon this year, are desperate for a turnaround. Their campaign kicks off in dramatic fashion, facing the North Queensland Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on March 1 AEDT in the NRL's season opener. According to bookmakers, the challenge ahead is steep; the TAB rates Newcastle as a $51 chance to win the premiership, alongside strugglers St George Illawarra Dragons and Gold Coast Titans. Favourites Brisbane Broncos are tipped at $5 to go back-to-back.
