EXCLUSIVE: Phil Gould questions ‘what’s holding things back’ following shocking $13m proposal for Dylan Brown revealed

Phil Gould is confident that the highly sought-after Dylan Brown will make the switch to the Newcastle Knights next season, though he concedes that the proposed $13 million contract presents a “significant risk” for the club.

The 24-year-old halfback has been linked with a departure from Parramatta and has until round 10 to decide on his player option.

In the off-season, Brown’s agent reached out via email to all NRL clubs to measure their interest, with Newcastle quickly emerging as a leading candidate to sign him.

Reports indicate that the Knights have put forth a 10-year contract offering $1.3 million per season, positioning Brown among the top earners in the league.

Gould insists the agile Kiwi should seize the opportunity without hesitation.

“If he chooses not to accept that offer, then either Dylan or those advising him need to be seriously evaluated,” he stated on Wide World of Sports’ Six Tackles With Gus.

“They should be tying him to a fence and making him sign it immediately. If someone has presented you with that kind of offer, what’s the hold-up?

“He was looking to see how much he could command on the market, but I struggle to believe any other two clubs could offer that level. Only a select few players would even warrant that kind of investment.”

“It’s a considerable risk, both from a sporting and financial viewpoint.”

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Brown rose to prominence as a teenager with the Eels, amassing 124 first-grade appearances and eight caps for New Zealand since debuting.

Following the recent contract extension for halves partner Mitchell Moses, which secures him at the Eels until 2029, Gould interprets this as a strong indicator that Brown will not remain, marking a significant hurdle for Jason Ryles’ rebuilding efforts.

“The decision to extend Mitchell Moses suggests they do not anticipate Dylan Brown will stay,” he explained.

“Given they can’t afford to lose both, they’ve moved quickly to lock in Moses, indicating their acceptance that Dylan is likely leaving.”

A transfer to Newcastle could set the stage for one of the NRL’s fiercest attacking duos, pairing Brown alongside Kalyn Ponga at fullback.

However, the potential combined salaries for Brown and Ponga could severely restrict the Knights’ ability to make changes to their squad.

“If the reports regarding Kalyn Ponga’s salary are accurate, coupled with this new deal, the Knights could find themselves investing close to $3 million in just two players,” Gould pointed out.

“That’s roughly 25 per cent of your salary cap, which represents a substantial commitment to two individuals.”

This weekend, Brown will take to the field for Parramatta’s season opener against the Storm, albeit without his regular partner Mitchell Moses, who is sidelined with a foot injury.