Phil Gould has urged the Parramatta Eels to address their contract issues quickly, emphasising that the situation surrounding star player Dylan Brown could overshadow the season. Although Brown is committed to the Eels until 2032, his contract contains several escape clauses, allowing him to potentially leave prematurely. The predicament has been exacerbated by his agent’s inappropriate outreach to all other NRL clubs for interest in Brown, who reportedly commands a salary exceeding $1 million annually. This incident left the agent, Chris Orr, in an embarrassing position and has drawn further scrutiny to Parramatta.
Brown’s teammate, Mitchell Moses, also has a clause in his contract that could allow him to exit before its completion. Eels chairman Jim Sarantinos acknowledged during the weekend that the club is actively collaborating with agents to rectify various contract issues affecting players.
Gould expressed his concerns on the Six Tackles with Gus podcast, insisting that marquee players and key strategists should not have the option to leave the club every few years. He criticised the current contract structure, stating, "You can’t give up that much just to negotiate to get them in in the short term," and highlighted the need for immediate changes to prevent the issue from becoming a persistent topic of discussion.
He believes that until the Eels adjust their contracts, the situation will continue to generate headlines. Gould remarked on the irrationality of putting Brown on the market despite being signed through 2032, suggesting that such a contradiction raises questions about contract management.
Reflecting on the Eels’ struggles last season, wherein they finished 15th and parted ways with coach Brad Arthur, Gould is uncertain about their potential to reach the finals in the upcoming season, especially with stronger teams on the horizon. He also criticised the club’s decisions to let notable players like experienced prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard transfer to the Titans and club captain Clint Gutherson to the Dragons. The Eels are set to commence their season against Melbourne on March 9.