It seemed a big call at the time, but the decision by Eels coach Jason Ryles to dump the defecting Dylan Brown was a masterstroke.
www.smh.com.au
As its behind a paywall, the highlights of the article:
- Says Brown, in 14 NRL games at five eight this season has 6 line breaks, 7 line break assists and 7 try assists. Compares with Katoa who has 18 line break assists with 19 try assists and Kodi Nikorima with 10 line breaks. Note that in only 3 games this season, Sam Walker has 9 try assists.
- Brown is ranked 27th for line engagements with 55. He's on par with Cody Walker who has the same number in only 8 games this season. By comparison the top players are Katoa with 202, Dearden with 131, Hynes with 124 and even Luke Brooks with 109.
- States how much better the side has looked since Brown was left out of the squad.
- Notes the benefits to the Eels of the experience being gained by Papalii and Hawkins.
I think this quote though is poignant though -
"Having a player, especially one as overhyped and perennially disappointing as Brown, hanging around until he gets overpaid elsewhere is no good for anyone."