‘It’s purely just for security’: Dylan Brown explains contract clause as another Eels veteran linked with move to rival club

Parramatta five-eighth Dylan Brown says all the headlines about his future don’t affect him, doubling down on recent comments that the length of his deal and the clauses that have been attached are “purely for security”.

Brown signed a unique deal at the end of 2022 that keeps him at the Eels until 2025 with an option to remain at the club until 2031.

The second part of that contract has scared some Eels fans, with reports the representative five-eighth could look elsewhere when he becomes a free agent on November 1.

The New Zealand star has already been linked with the Roosters, Warriors and even the Perth franchise when they join the competition, but Brown has always maintained the same line when asked about his contract.

“It’s purely just for security. When you sign the deal, you want to know what your future is so you can focus on playing good footy,” he said.

“That’s why we signed that contract. Parramatta has got trust in me and I respect that.

“The headlines don’t really affect me. I don’t really look into it too much.

“When my family see it, they’re the ones who probably get caught up in it too much. I tell them to ignore it because they know I’m still here and trying my best every week.”

Brown’s future is one of the many delicate subjects at the club, with halves partner Mitch Moses also in the news last week with reports linking him to the Roosters that were shot down by the Bondi club on Thursday.

The Eels have endured a horror year, with Moses injured, Brad Arthur sacked as coach and other players reportedly tapped on the shoulder as they fight to avoid the wooden spoon.

It makes last week’s performance against the Panthers quite remarkable given they held a huge lead before the premiers stormed home with three late tries to avoid one of the upsets of the year.

It’s a credit to interim coach Trent Barrett, who has had to hold everything together while also missing out on the top job in 2025.

“It has (been difficult) but those are the cards that we’ve been dealt,” he said.

“I’m really proud of the way that the playing group have stuck together and the staff have worked really hard to prepare the players to come out and play hard each week.

“It has been difficult at times and it takes a bit of discipline from everyone to block that out and still do the job that we’re paid to do. That’s what I’m most proud of.”

Barrett has given his players a couple of days off this week ahead of the game against the Roosters, with his troops physically and mentally exhausted after a tough few months.

Young gun Blaize Talagi will leave at the end of the season, while veteran Reagan Campbell-Gillard has been linked with a move to the Cowboys.

“They’re pretty good. You’ll see them some days and their mind might be elsewhere for moments of the day which is completely natural, but it’s our job to bring them back and be present and remind them what we’re here for,” Barrett said.

“They’ve been really good. It’s part and parcel of being a professional sportsman, and they’ve handled it really well, so it’s been a credit to them.”