**Andrew Johns Calls on Dylan Brown to Make Immediate Change Amid Warning About Leaving the Parramatta Eels**
In the world of rugby league, few names resonate with the level of reverence and authority as Andrew Johns. Known for his unparalleled skill as a halfback and his brilliant football IQ, Johns is one of the most influential figures in the National Rugby League (NRL). When he speaks, people listen—whether it’s to praise the next rising star or to offer critical advice. Recently, Johns has turned his attention to one of the NRL’s most talented young players, Dylan Brown, calling on him to make an immediate change in his approach to ensure he stays on the right track with the Parramatta Eels.
Brown, an immensely gifted playmaker, has been one of the standout young talents in the NRL since his debut. With his strong performances, he has been pivotal in Parramatta’s recent successes, including their run to the 2021 NRL Grand Final. However, as is often the case in the career of any young player, Brown’s next steps in his professional journey are crucial. His development as both a player and a person will determine his long-term success, and according to Andrew Johns, there are some immediate changes that need to be made for him to fulfill his potential—especially if he hopes to remain with the Eels.
**Dylan Brown’s Rising Star and Increasing Expectations**
Dylan Brown’s rise to prominence in the NRL has been nothing short of meteoric. Signed by the Parramatta Eels in 2017, Brown quickly became one of the team’s most important players, especially as the team began to transition into one of the competition’s more competitive sides under coach Brad Arthur. As a dynamic five-eighth, Brown possesses incredible speed, vision, and a natural ability to read the game. These qualities have enabled him to orchestrate much of Parramatta’s attacking plays, and he has earned recognition as one of the brightest young talents in the NRL.
However, with this rising stardom comes increased pressure. As Brown’s profile has grown, so have the expectations placed on him to continue developing and delivering consistently. At just 23 years of age, the New Zealand international has a long career ahead of him, but how he navigates the next few years will be critical. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, the inconsistency that often plagues young players has been evident at times, and that’s where Andrew Johns believes change is needed.
**Johns’ Warning: Make the Change Now**
Andrew Johns’ call for Dylan Brown to make an immediate change is not just about adjusting his playing style or refining his skills. Instead, Johns is speaking to a broader issue—a matter of personal growth and maturity in both his professional and personal life. Johns, who was known for his leadership, discipline, and focus during his own illustrious career, has seen firsthand how young talent can either thrive or falter depending on the decisions they make off the field.
In his recent commentary, Johns suggested that Brown might be on the verge of making a critical decision about his future—particularly whether or not he stays with the Parramatta Eels. According to Johns, Brown’s future with the Eels is far from guaranteed, and making the right choices now will determine whether he remains a cornerstone of the team or looks for opportunities elsewhere. This warning comes amid increasing speculation that the Eels’ salary cap issues and roster changes might result in Brown seeking a move to another club if the situation isn’t addressed.
Johns’ message is clear: for Brown to realize his full potential, he must focus on both his physical and mental development. His game has undeniable potential, but for it to be fully unlocked, Brown needs to embrace a new level of professionalism and commitment—both on and off the field. This may involve improving his decision-making, cultivating greater consistency, and taking more ownership of his role within the Eels.
**The Implications of Leaving Parramatta**
The warning about leaving the Parramatta Eels is significant. In the world of professional rugby league, the decisions a player makes regarding their future can have far-reaching consequences. While it’s clear that Brown’s talent would likely see him in demand by other clubs, moving away from the Eels could also present unforeseen challenges.
Parramatta, despite their salary cap struggles, is a team on the cusp of greatness. With a talented roster and an experienced coaching staff, they have the potential to compete for premierships in the coming years. For a player like Brown, who has already developed a strong partnership with star halfback Mitchell Moses, leaving could mean the end of a promising career trajectory at a club where he’s already established himself as a key figure.
Additionally, playing for the Eels provides Brown with the stability of being part of an environment where his growth has been fostered and his potential nurtured. Moving to a new club means entering a fresh system, which could disrupt his development. The pressure to adjust to a new culture, new teammates, and possibly a new playing style could potentially hinder his progress rather than help it.
However, it’s also possible that Brown, at a certain stage in his career, may decide that a change of scenery is necessary for his own development or to pursue personal ambitions. Whether it’s the pursuit of a larger contract, more playing freedom, or simply a fresh start, moving away from Parramatta might appeal to him. The question is whether the timing is right.
**Personal Maturity: A Crucial Factor for Success**
A significant part of Johns’ message revolves around the need for Dylan Brown to mature as a player and person. Rugby league is an incredibly demanding sport, and young players often struggle to balance the immense pressures that come with stardom. While Brown’s talent is unquestionable, the NRL is a league where mental fortitude is as important as physical prowess.
Johns pointed to the necessity of Brown embracing a more professional attitude toward his career. This includes committing fully to his fitness, focusing on mental preparation, and continuously striving to improve every aspect of his game. Players who fail to adjust to the high standards required at the NRL level often fall behind or plateau, and Johns is encouraging Brown to avoid this by taking ownership of his professional development.
As Johns knows from his own career, the best players are those who continuously seek to improve—not just on the field but in every aspect of their preparation. This level of self-discipline and awareness often separates the great from the good in rugby league. By returning to a mindset of constant improvement, Brown can ensure that his potential is realized to the fullest.
**Brown’s Response and Future at Parramatta**
Following Johns’ advice and warning, the question remains whether Dylan Brown will take the message to heart and act on it. The 2025 NRL season is pivotal for him, and his performance will be scrutinized closely as both the Eels and the broader rugby league community look to see if he can reach the next level.
If Brown is able to find the right balance between personal growth, professional development, and on-field success, it could mean not only a stronger future for the Eels but also a potential long-term career at the club. Brown’s relationship with the coaching staff, particularly Brad Arthur, will likely play a critical role in his decision-making process moving forward. If he buys into the vision for the Eels and commits fully to the team’s goals, Parramatta could become the club where he realizes his potential and eventually leads them to premiership glory.
However, should Brown’s development stagnate or if he feels the need to explore new challenges, it’s possible that the talented young playmaker could find himself looking for a new home. The competition for his services would undoubtedly be fierce, but whether moving to a new club will help him become the player he’s capable of being is something only time will tell.
**Conclusion**
Andrew Johns’ recent comments about Dylan Brown underscore the importance of growth—both on and off the field—for young players in the NRL. As one of the league’s most gifted playmakers, Brown’s future is bright, but his path forward will depend on the decisions he makes in the coming months. Johns’ warning about the possibility of leaving Parramatta serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action. For Brown, the next phase of his career could be a defining one, and if he takes Johns’ advice seriously, it could lead to even greater heights—whether with the Eels or elsewhere.
