Knights coach defends Dylan Brown against Eels fans

Knights coach Adam O’Brien is defending Dylan Brown after the Parramatta fans booed their former star. Brown recently signed a massive 10-year deal with Newcastle, making him one of the highest-paid players in rugby league history. O’Brien expressed sympathy for Brown, noting he has been a dedicated player for Parramatta and reached a grand final with the team. The booing occurred during a match against Wests Tigers when Brown’s image appeared on the screen. O’Brien believes the fans may have forgotten Brown's contributions to the club. He emphasized that Brown is still the same talented player he was before the recent news and feels the criticism he is facing is unfair. Brown’s recent performance also faced scrutiny after Parramatta lost 32-6 to the Tigers. Critics gave him a low rating for his gameplay, and during the match, he appeared to let another player take charge on the field. O’Brien pointed out that Brown will be joining a new system next year, suggesting it is not worth dwelling on his current form with the Eels. Newcastle’s decision to invest heavily in Brown has been debated, but O’Brien remains confident he will justify the deal. He looks forward to having a solid team structure with Brown included. O’Brien is optimistic about the Knights' future, highlighting they have successfully signed key players to long-term contracts. Looking ahead, O’Brien’s focus is on the upcoming match against Gold Coast. The Knights are dealing with injuries, having to adjust their lineup for the game. Young player Jermaine McEwen will make his NRL debut as the team prepares to face a strong Gold Coast squad known for their powerful forwards. O’Brien recognizes the challenge and remains focused on boosting his team's defense to handle the attacking threats.