Dylan Brown epitomized Parramatta’s struggles last season, with the Eels enduring a challenging year that saw Brad Arthur’s long tenure come to a close while they narrowly avoided claiming the wooden spoon. The New Zealand international was a constant presence throughout the season, registering five tries and 18 assists, but it wasn’t enough to lift his team out of their slump towards the lower end of the ladder.
Brown was moved from his usual five-eighth role to halfback to cover for the injured Mitchell Moses, but eventually returned to the No. 6 jersey in the latter half of the season. However, his campaign was cut short in the final game during the ‘Spoon Bowl’ against the Wests Tigers, when he sustained a knee injury.
The Sporting News now brings you the latest injury updates as Brown prepares for the 2025 NRL season opener.
Dylan Brown injury news and updates ahead of NRL Round 1
Brown caused a scare in the Parramatta camp when he injured his knee while attempting a tackle near the sideline. He was taken off in the 52nd minute of the 60-26 victory over Benji Marshall’s Tigers, which saw the Eels avoid finishing last on the ladder. Initial concerns about a potential ACL rupture quickly spread within the club, but these fears were alleviated.
“The scans showed less damage to his ACL than initially feared, and surgery is not required,” the club confirmed in early September.
Despite the positive news, the knee injury ruled Brown out of the Pacific Championships with the Kiwis. New Zealand struggled in his absence, along with that of his halves partner Jahrome Hughes, in Stacey Jones’ first games as head coach following Michael Maguire’s departure.
They lost 22-10 to Australia in their opener and were then defeated by Tonga, ending their defense of the Pacific Cup. However, they finished the year on a high note with a dominant win over Papua New Guinea in the promotion-relegation playoff.
After missing the end-of-season tournament, Brown has had time to rest and recover from his knee injury, spending the past two months sidelined. It’s expected that the 24-year-old will be ready for the first pre-season program under new coach Jason Ryles. The new coach’s arrival has already been eventful, with Clint Gutherson’s departure adding more pressure on Brown and Moses to lead the attack for Parramatta in 2025.