Paul Gallen Labels Knights ‘Irresponsible’ Over $14 Million Dylan Brown Agreement, While Phil Gould Backs the ‘Risky Move’

Paul Gallen has voiced his disapproval of the Newcastle Knights following the club’s acquisition of Eels star playmaker Dylan Brown, who has signed a 10-year contract reportedly valued at $14 million, labelling Newcastle’s decision “irresponsible”.

In contrast, Phil Gould expressed understanding for Newcastle’s choice to “take the gamble” on the 24-year-old Kiwi. He highlighted that a shortage of talented playmakers in the league has fostered a sense of recruitment “desperation”.

Reports from the Sydney Morning Herald on Monday evening revealed that Brown is set to join the Knights after the 2025 NRL season, a move confirmed by the dynamic five-eighth himself on Instagram shortly thereafter.

His contract marks the most lucrative deal in NRL history.

During an appearance on Nine’s 100% Footy, Gallen directed his criticism towards the Knights.

“As a Newcastle fan, my first question would be: will the individuals responsible for signing him for 10 years still be around in a decade? If this doesn’t pan out, who’s going to take the hit?” Gallen remarked.

“… This sport is incredibly tough and physical; with so much focus on head injuries and other ailments, things can turn awry rapidly.”

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“… I sincerely hope it works out well for him. I wish him all the best in achieving a premiership or two, but I still think it’s slightly reckless to commit to a 10-year contract.

“As for the financial aspect — I fully support players earning as much as possible.

“… Yet, I continue to believe that the decision-makers at the club have acted somewhat recklessly. I hope those who made this call are still in their roles a decade from now.”

Brown has chosen not to take up a lucrative option in his contract with Parramatta.

Under NRL regulations, Parramatta has 10 days to attempt to convince Brown to withdraw from his Newcastle agreement now that the offer has been lodged with the league; however, the Eels seem prepared to lose the Kiwi international.

“Dylan is an exceptional player, and we respect his choice to accept this opportunity for himself and his family,” remarked Eels football manager Mark O’Neill in a club statement.

The prospect of Brown pairing up with Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga, who is reportedly earning $1.4 million annually under a contract expiring in 2027, is tantalising.

Both players are believed to be on deals worth $1.4 million per year, though Brown’s contract is significantly longer.

The Auckland-native will be 35 years old when his Knights contract concludes in 2035.

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“A lot of Dylan’s significant deal comes from the desperation that’s permeating our game,” Gould stated on 100% Footy.

“With so few playmakers available, it’s clear that you need representative-level talent to contend for premierships in our league. It’s a simple truth. We just don’t have enough quality playmakers for every team. Only a select few can truly deliver at that level.

“Dylan Brown is seen as part of the new generation … he’s arguably one of the most explosive young ball runners in the competition, hence it’s understandable why they’ve decided to take the risk.

“Personally, I’m not concerned about the money or the length of the contract, as I believe they’re acquiring him at a time that’s prime in his career.”