Newcastle Knights coach Adam O’Brien has spoken up following the booing of Dylan Brown by Parramatta fans during a recent match. The 24-year-old five-eighth has decided to join the Knights for the next ten years, but he will finish the current season with the Eels. After a disappointing performance against the Wests Tigers, Brown faced criticism from supporters, despite his previous contributions to the club, including a grand final appearance.
O’Brien expressed sympathy for Brown, acknowledging the difficulty of receiving such negativity, especially for a young player. He reminded fans of Brown’s past service to Parramatta, highlighting that despite the backlash, Brown remains the same talented player he was before.
Brown’s decision to leave Parramatta was influenced by a lucrative contract worth $13 million with Newcastle, even though he had opportunities to stay with his current club. Despite the criticism surrounding Brown’s early season form, O’Brien reiterated his confidence in the player and the club’s decision to recruit him.
Looking ahead, O’Brien is optimistic about Brown’s potential contribution to the Knights and noted that Brown is focused on finishing the season strongly with the Eels. Brown’s next appearance will be against the Bulldogs, as he aims to conclude his time at Parramatta on a high note.