**”Top 10 Realistic Options to Replace Dylan Brown at the Parramatta Eels”**
The Parramatta Eels are facing a difficult situation following the recent news that star halfback Dylan Brown will be sidelined for a significant period of time. Brown, widely regarded as one of the NRL’s most dynamic playmakers, has been a cornerstone of the Eels’ success over the past few seasons. His combination of speed, skill, and football intelligence has made him a key figure in Parramatta’s attack.
With Brown now unavailable, the Eels’ coaching staff, led by Brad Arthur, must act quickly to fill the void and maintain their push for a strong season. Parramatta’s season aspirations may hinge on finding the right player to take over from Brown in the halves and continue providing the leadership and attacking spark the team needs. While it’s never easy to replace a player of Brown’s caliber, there are several options that make sense from a strategic and roster standpoint. Below are the top 10 realistic options to replace Dylan Brown at the Parramatta Eels.
### 1. **Mitch Moses (Move to Five-Eighth)**
The most obvious option for Parramatta is to shift their star halfback, Mitch Moses, to five-eighth. Moses has long been regarded as one of the best halfbacks in the NRL, known for his blistering speed, excellent kicking game, and ability to control the tempo of the match. By moving Moses to the playmaking role of five-eighth, the Eels can maintain their attacking structure while giving Moses more space to orchestrate plays alongside the halfback.
While this change would create an adjustment, Moses has shown throughout his career that he can thrive in different roles. With a reliable partner at halfback, Moses could continue to play a central role in Parramatta’s attack, alongside key forwards like Junior Paulo and Nathan Brown. His partnership with a new halfback could take time to gel, but Moses’ versatility and leadership would help guide the team through this transitional phase.
### 2. **Jaeman Salmon (Promotion to Starting Six)**
Jaeman Salmon is a versatile player with a strong skill set that could prove valuable in a starting role. Having previously played in the halves and in the centres, Salmon possesses the necessary attacking flair to step into Dylan Brown’s shoes. Salmon has earned a solid reputation as a capable fill-in when required and has impressed in a number of games.
Moving Salmon into the starting lineup would allow the Eels to maintain the integrity of their spine. His combination of strong ball running, vision, and defensive capabilities would provide the Eels with a steady presence in the middle of the field. Salmon’s adaptability makes him a logical option to replace Brown for the interim, though he may need time to form a better understanding of his new role in the attack.
### 3. **Will Penisini (Move to Five-Eighth)**
Another option for the Eels would be to shift Will Penisini, one of the NRL’s emerging centres, to five-eighth. While Penisini is known for his strong defensive skills and ability to break tackles, he has shown glimpses of playmaking ability in his early career. The Eels could use this as an opportunity to see how Penisini performs in the halves, especially as his partnership with Moses would provide some familiarity.
Moving Penisini to five-eighth would allow the Eels to maintain their attacking structure, particularly given Moses’ well-established halfback role. Penisini’s size, strength, and agility could make him a difficult player to defend in the playmaking role, and his growth in the position could offer a long-term solution, should he be able to adapt to the pressure of the NRL’s more creative roles.
### 4. **Jirah Momoisea (Inclusion in the Halves)**
A less conventional option could be giving Jirah Momoisea, a promising young player from the Eels’ ranks, an opportunity in the halves. Momoisea has been developing in the Eels’ lower grades and has impressed with his strong work ethic and determination. Though not yet an established NRL player, Momoisea possesses the skills to make a name for himself at the top level.
This option would require a bit more risk from the Eels’ coaching staff, as Momoisea is still relatively untested in first-grade NRL matches. However, his inclusion could offer a fresh dynamic in the team and inject new energy into the Eels’ attacking structure. For a club with a strong forward pack, Momoisea could take advantage of space created by the likes of Paulo and Matterson, allowing him to play off the back of their strong carries.
### 5. **Reed Mahoney (Move to Playmaker Role)**
Reed Mahoney, a tireless workhorse and one of the league’s best defensive players, is an unconventional option but one worth considering. Although Mahoney is predominantly known for his hooker role, his football IQ and leadership on the field could translate well into the halves if required. His familiarity with the forwards could allow him to control the ruck and create opportunities in the middle of the field, thus contributing in a similar fashion to how Brown provided leadership on both sides of the ball.
Although Mahoney has been excellent in his primary position, moving him to the halves would offer a new dynamic and could allow Moses to remain at halfback, ensuring stability in that key position. Mahoney’s defensive abilities would also ensure the Eels maintain their gritty edge in a new role.
### 6. **Trey Mooney (Developmental Option)**
Trey Mooney is another intriguing option from the Eels’ junior ranks, boasting natural playmaking skills and a high rugby IQ. While still developing, Mooney has shown promise in the NSW Cup and could be given the opportunity to step into a first-grade role. This is a more long-term prospect for the club, but with the right coaching and the support of an experienced spine, Mooney could grow into a key player in the halves.
This option could also be considered a future investment for the club, allowing them to groom Mooney for a more permanent role in the future. The Eels have a history of successfully developing young players into NRL stars, and Mooney could follow in the footsteps of other Parramatta products.
### 7. **Moses Mbye (Signing From Another Club)**
Another external option is Moses Mbye, the experienced utility player who has spent time playing in both the halves and the fullback position. Mbye is known for his composure under pressure, solid kicking game, and leadership skills. His versatility makes him a strong candidate to fill the void left by Dylan Brown, and his ability to cover a variety of positions gives Parramatta the flexibility to adjust throughout the season.
Mbye has previously played in a number of successful teams, and his experience in high-pressure situations would be invaluable for the Eels. While he may not be as dynamic as Brown in attack, Mbye’s steady hand could help Parramatta maintain consistency until Brown’s return.
### 8. **Jackson Hastings (Signing From Another Club)**
Jackson Hastings, currently playing for the Wests Tigers, has proven to be a talented and tough playmaker. With a strong kicking game, leadership skills, and the ability to organize his team around the park, Hastings could be a perfect fit for Parramatta’s needs. While the Eels would likely have to negotiate a release or trade from the Tigers, Hastings’ style of play makes him a potential target for Parramatta.
His versatility and experience in the NRL, coupled with his solid performances in previous seasons, would make him an excellent addition to the squad. If the Eels are willing to make the trade, Hastings could slot straight into the starting side and provide the necessary leadership and skill to replace Dylan Brown.
### 9. **Tyson Gamble (Signing From Another Club)**
Tyson Gamble is another intriguing option currently playing for the Brisbane Broncos. Known for his physicality and fiery passion, Gamble has the qualities needed to step into a leadership role in the halves. He has shown flashes of brilliance with the Broncos, and his playing style could suit Parramatta’s hard-nosed approach.
While Gamble may not be as flashy as some other playmakers, his strong defensive game, toughness, and ability to take on the opposition with his physical style of play could provide a much-needed edge in the halves. His signing could be a short-term option while the Eels look for a long-term solution.
### 10. **Jack Wighton (Signing From Another Club)**
Jack Wighton, though contracted with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, has been linked to several clubs in the past due to his desire for a new challenge. Wighton’s combination of size, speed, and creativity would make him a dream addition for Parramatta, especially considering his versatility as both a centre and five-eighth. Though the Eels would have to navigate complex negotiations with the Rabbitohs, Wighton’s playing style could be the perfect complement to Mitch Moses.
Wighton would bring a wealth of experience and the ability to create game-changing moments for the Eels, especially in big matches. His leadership qualities and ability to break open defenses would provide a much-needed boost to the team’s attacking structure.
### Conclusion
Replacing Dylan Brown will undoubtedly be a tough task for the Parramatta Eels. However, with the right combination of tactical adjustments and potential player changes, the team can fill the void and maintain their competitive edge. Whether they opt for an internal solution like moving Moses or Salmon into the halves, or look to sign an external player like Moses Mbye or Jackson Hastings, Parramatta has a number of viable options at their disposal. With the right balance of experience, skill, and leadership, the Eels can navigate this challenge and continue to contend for success in the NRL.
