Roosters Stun NRL as Surprise Frontrunners in $1.2M Dylan Brown Bidding War

Parramatta Eels five-eighth Dylan Brown has become one of the most sought-after players on the open market, attracting interest from at least five NRL clubs for the 2026 season. While the Newcastle Knights and St George Illawarra Dragons remain contenders, the Sydney Roosters have reportedly emerged as the leading club in the race for Brown’s signature, according to The Courier-Mail.

Brown, who has been offered to all 16 rival NRL clubs and Rugby Australia, has the option to leave the Eels at the end of the season due to a player-option clause in his contract. While Parramatta remains optimistic about retaining him on a deal worth around $900,000 per season, the New Zealand international is believed to be seeking a contract closer to $1.2 million. Such a deal would place him among the highest-paid players in the league, alongside Kalyn Ponga and Nathan Cleary.

The Roosters’ potential acquisition of Brown would further strengthen their squad, as they have already secured NSW Blues hooker Reece Robson from the North Queensland Cowboys. The club has also been linked to Brisbane Broncos duo Kotoni Staggs and Selwyn Cobbo. With a significant amount of salary cap space available following the departures of Joseph Suaalii, Joseph Manu, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Luke Keary, Sitili Tupouniua, and Terrell May, the Roosters are well-positioned to make a major signing.

Despite the strong interest from rival clubs, Dolphins CEO Terry Reader recently dismissed speculation that his club was in serious contention for Brown, emphasizing that no formal discussions had taken place. However, given the need for a playmaker to complement Isaiya Katoa, the Dolphins and other clubs may still consider making a move for Brown if they can meet his financial demands.

Since making his NRL debut in 2019, Brown has played 123 games for the Eels, forming a formidable halves partnership with Mitchell Moses that helped lead Parramatta to the 2022 Grand Final. Should he choose to remain with the Eels, his contract reportedly includes another get-out clause for the 2027 season, ensuring his future remains a key talking point in the NRL.

With Brown set to formally meet with interested clubs from Monday, the next few weeks could be decisive in determining where the talented five-eighth will play in 2026 and beyond.