“Hasn’t really lived up to his potential yet”: The coach of the Eels warns the wealthy player
Before the 2024 season, Parramatta coach Brad Arthur has warned star playmaker Dylan Brown that he must give it his all every week after inking a lucrative extension with the Eels.
Through his 17 appearances this year, Brown would show glimmers of the star talent he possesses as the No. 6 jumper; however, his contribution was limited by a seven-game NRL suspension.
Brown did not make a comeback until Round 23, when the Eels were fighting to stay in the championship race, after entering a guilty plea to two counts of sexual touching in June.
Arthur was disappointed to think about what might have been since Parramatta dropped out of the September bracket as a result of his extended absence.
Arthur is hoping that Brown can realize his full potential in 2024 and help lead the Eels back toward the top of the competition as they enter a new season with more pressure on him.
After signing a sizable long-term contract towards the end of last year, Arthur stated in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald that his star five-eighth must continue to be a reliable player for his team.
“At 23 years old, Dylan hasn’t fully fulfilled his potential,” Arthur stated to the newspaper.
“Dylan was among the best players in the competition prior to being rubbed out the previous season. See what he accomplished during the final Test match for the Kiwis in November.
Dylan simply needs to play that way all the time. We need him on the team every week when you’re making the kind of money he is.
Dylan possesses the X-factor, which he uses to support our position. It’s also what he does for us on defense.
“He needs to realize how vital he is to this team. We’ve had some fruitful discussions about it.
In light of his suspension this year, Arthur continued, Brown wants to “repay” the team, his teammates, and the Eels supporters.
Arthur stated, “He wants to make up to his teammates for what happened last season, as well as to the fans and his family.”
“Next year, he’ll be a huge benefit to us.”
On Saturday, March 9, Parramatta will take on a redesigned Canterbury team at CommBank Stadium in Round 1 of the competition.
