$13M KNIGHTS SIGNING BROWN BUOYED BY NZ PACIFIC CUP FORM: ‘GOOD FOR MY MENTAL SPACE’
Newcastle Knights’ record $13 million signing Dylan Brown says his standout Pacific Cup form for New Zealand has provided a crucial mental boost as he begins pre-season training with his new club, following a controversial snub for this year’s IRL Golden Boot award.
The 25-year-old playmaker – who joined the Knights from Parramatta on a landmark 10-year deal – missed out on the game’s highest individual honour to Harry Grant, but insists his performances in the Kiwis’ colours have set him up perfectly to help turn around Newcastle’s fortunes after they claimed the 2025 NRL wooden spoon.
Speaking on his first official day in Knights colours, Brown made it clear he was ready to deliver for his new team. “I want to play good footy, no matter what,” he told media. “To be able to play like that for the Kiwis was good for my mental space and good for Justin (Holbrook) too as a new coach coming in—it’s exciting that I can play that brand of footy, hopefully I can continue that into next year.”
Holbrook, who took over the Knights ahead of the 2026 season, will be counting on Brown’s attacking flair to revitalise a side that struggled for consistency throughout last year. The playmaker’s form for New Zealand – where he pulled the strings in their Pacific Cup campaign – has given the club confidence he can be the cornerstone of their rebuild.
While speculation continues over whether Brown will line up in the number six or seven jersey next season, he remains unconcerned by his shirt number. “I’m happy to play wherever, I don’t think the number is too important at the moment,” he said.
His flexibility will be a major asset for Holbrook as he shapes a new-look spine that includes off-season signing Sandon Smith from the Roosters, plus the return of injured stars Fletcher Sharpe and Kalyn Ponga. With Ponga set to reclaim his fullback role once fit, Brown and Smith are poised to form a new halves partnership that could transform Newcastle’s attacking output and end their run of poor results.
As pre-season preparations intensify, Brown’s positive mindset and proven international form have given Knights fans early reason to be optimistic about a fresh start in 2026.
