Physical Address
Suite 5, 181 High Street,
Willoughby North NSW 2068
Sin bin change set to be “road tested” | 06:39
Dylan Brown’s management are reportedly seeking a financial incentive to wipe the first get-out clause in his Eels contract, but Parramatta powerbrokers aren’t willing to up their offer.
To celebrate Fox League being the only place to watch all 4 games of Rugby League in Vegas live, Kayo Sports is giving away a trip of a lifetime to Sin City! Enter now at kayogreencard.com
According to the SMH, Eels bosses are of the belief his current contract, which extends until the end of the 2023 season, is a fair reflection of his market value.
Parramatta are desperate for their star five-eighth to remain at the club, but reportedly aren’t willing to increase his salary in a bid to retain his services and stretch their salary cap.
A clause in Brown’s contract allows him to negotiate with rivals for the 2026 season until Round 10, with a similar clause inserted for two more seasons in the coming years.
NRL rivals have been circling the Kiwi international, with Fox League’s James Hooper revealing the Knights are preparing to make a big play for his services.
Newcastle bosses intend to make a six-year, $6 million-plus play to try and sign the off-contract playmaker.
Any Knights negotiations will be contingent on Brown being serious about making the move from the Eels to head to the Hunter, forging a dangerous partnership with Kalyn Ponga.
Meanwhile, Newcastle already have Jack Cogger, Will Pryce, Phoenix Crossland, Tyson Gamble and Jackson Hastings contracted in the halves in 2025.
Brown’s current contract reportedly sits at $850,000 this year, before ratchet clauses will see that figure increase to $1 million in 2026.
DOLPHINS HONE IN ON ENGLISH FORWARD
The Dolphins are reportedly on the brink of acquiring the services of English international Morgan Knowles ahead of the 2026 season.
According to News Corp, rookie coach Kristian Woolf is planning to make the St Helens weapon his first signing at the helm of the 17th franchise.
Knowles is reportedly set to sign a mulit-year contract, but will continue his time in the Super League in 2025 before making his move to Australia.
Woolf and Knowles won three premierships in England between 2020 and 2022, earning the English weapon eight Test caps for his nation.
St Helens star Morgan Knowles. Pic: St Helens InstagramSource: SuppliedDolphins chief executive Terry Reader confirmed last week his club have made moves to recruit the 28-year-old.
“Woolfy coached him and they won three premierships together at St Helens,” he said.
“He wants to test himself in the NRL.
“There is interest to talk to him but that’s where it is at the moment. We are always interested in good players, especially if they want to play for us.
“We’ll have a chat and see what happens.”
KNIGHTS STUMBLING BLOCK IN HAZELTON PURSUIT
Sharks enforcer Tom Hazelton’s contract negotiations with the Knights reportedly hit a stumbling block, with his management’s asking price reportedly being too high.
Hazelton has emerged as one of Cronulla’s fan favourites in recent seasons, becoming a key member of Craig Fitzgibbon’s forward pack in 2024, scoring seven tries.
The 26-year-old’s current contract runs out at the end of the 2025 season, and the Knights were reportedly interested in his services.
However, according to The Newcastle Herald’s Barry Toohey, Hazelton’s move to the Hunter club was stalled due to his “current asking price”.
Hazelton became a member of the Sharks’ top 30 in 2023, and after a breakout season, his management are hoping to secure their client a lucrative contract.
The Knights reportedly view Hazelton as the man who could replace Leo Thompson, after he signed a four-year deal with the Bulldogs from 2026 onwards.
Hazelton also has the arrival of Addin Faonua-Blake to contend with in Cronulla, meaning there’s a forward pack squeeze set to take place before Round 1.
Regardless, Hazelton has emerged as a key member of the Sharks’ prop rotation and his management told WWOS he has several suitors.
“I have had inquiries from seven or eight clubs about big Tom – they are waiting until November 1 when they are officially allowed to talk to him about 2026,” manager Gavin Orr said in September.
“He is really in hot demand – he’s had a breakout year.”
