“Almost toppled over”: Andrew Johns responds to Knights recruit Dylan Brown’s unprecedented contract

Andrew Johns revealed he was left “nearly knocked over” by the announcement of Dylan Brown’s astonishing 10-year, $14 million contract with his old club, Newcastle.

This week, the 24-year-old confirmed his departure from the Parramatta Eels, signing what marks the most lucrative deal in NRL history.

Beginning in 2026, Brown will join the Knights, where he is set to create a formidable attacking partnership with star fullback Kalyn Ponga.

However, the contract has faced criticism concerning Brown’s anticipated position at halfback—a role he has seldom occupied in his first-grade career thus far.

The speedy Kiwi international has largely played a supporting role to Mitchell Moses, and while his talents are unquestionable, Johns has expressed doubts regarding Brown’s suitability for the pivotal playmaking position over the next decade in the Hunter.

“I nearly fell over,” Johns remarked during an episode of Wide World of Sports’ Freddy and the Eighth.

“Thinking it over, there are hardly any halfbacks available, so I can see why. Is he worth that amount? Not as a five-eighth, but they have signed him as a halfback.”

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“They’ve gone all in, but this is a monumental risk. He’s untested at No.7, although I’ve worked with Dylan and he possesses all the skills needed to be a halfback.”

“Moving forward, it appears Dylan will play halfback, with Fletcher Sharpe at five-eighth and Kalyn at fullback. If they can get it right, it’s exhilarating, but he’s inexperienced in that role.”

“He’ll be the main man and will need to take on the halfback responsibilities.”

Throughout his career, Brown has played 124 first-grade matches for the blue and gold, with only 10 of those appearances at halfback.

Upon his arrival at the Knights, the club will allocate nearly $3 million towards both Brown and Ponga’s contracts, which will amount to close to a quarter of their salary cap.

Brown is set to wear the No.6 jersey for Parramatta when they face the Wests Tigers in round two.