Knights legend Andrew Johns has identified a key area where playmaker Dylan Brown must adapt to succeed at Newcastle. Johns has cautioned Brown about the intense scrutiny of playing in the Newcastle “fishbowl” and emphasized that the Parramatta five-eighth must evolve into a more vocal and commanding playmaker.
Brown recently confirmed he will join the Knights from 2026 on a massive 10-year, $13 million contract, with expectations that he will take over the No.7 jersey Johns once made iconic. Having worked with Brown in the past, Johns remains uncertain whether the Kiwi international possesses the attributes needed to be a dominant halfback capable of leading his team around the field. He also questioned whether Brown can handle the pressure of his record-breaking contract, which will subject him to constant analysis and scrutiny.
Johns highlighted the additional challenge of thriving in rugby league-obsessed Newcastle, where Brown will constantly be in the public eye. “He’s about to jump into the fishbowl. It can be exhausting, but most of it is positive,” Johns said on Freddy and the Eighth on Nine. “He’ll go to the shops, and before he’s done, he’ll have spoken to 10 or 15 people all asking about the next game. It’s all good, but it can be draining.”
The former halfback pointed out that Brown’s laid-back demeanor will need to change once he takes on the No.7 role. He believes it will be a huge challenge for Brown to transform into a vocal on-field leader, directing his team with authority—something that comes with his $1.3 million per season price tag. “All eyes will be on him everywhere he goes,” Johns said. “He’s got the pressure of the big contract, and he’s in that fishbowl. It’s going to be tough, but he has to adjust. Once he steps onto the field, he has to be barking instructions.”
Brown’s Price Tag Brings Premiership Expectations
Johns acknowledged that Newcastle must be patient with Brown as he adjusts to his new team, but he stressed that his massive contract comes with an expectation to deliver a premiership. “I like the combination of Brown, Fletcher Sharpe, and Kalyn Ponga playing together, but Newcastle must be patient as they build chemistry. They do have 10 years,” Johns wrote in The Sydney Morning Herald.
“But the real test for Brown and that combination will come in big games. If he’s earning that money, he has to win grand finals. Look at Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo—they always find a way to get Penrith over the line, winning four premierships as a result.”
Johns previously expressed doubts over whether Brown has what it takes to become a title-winning No.7, but he acknowledged Newcastle’s decision was influenced by the scarcity of top-tier halfbacks on the market. “When you think about it, there aren’t many halfbacks available, so I understand the move,” Johns said. “Is he worth that money? Not as a five-eighth. But they’ve signed him as a halfback. They’ve gone all in—it’s a massive gamble. He has the tools, but he’s untested in that role. He’s going to be the main man, and he has to prove he can handle it.”
Brown will soon have a chance to silence his critics, especially with his current halves partner Mitchell Moses sidelined by injury. However, his first test didn’t go as planned, with Parramatta suffering a heavy 56-18 defeat to Melbourne in round one.
