'Been in a grand final for them': Knights coach's gentle reminder after Eels fan booed Dylan Brown
Knights coach Adam O'Brien has given a reminder to Parramatta fans after they booed outgoing star Dylan Brown during last weekend's game.
The 24-year-old recently made the decision to take his talents up to Newcastle for the next decade, but will see out the remainder of this season with the blue and gold.
However, as the side copped a rough loss against the Wests Tigers in round two, Brown was on the receiving-end of some negative feedback from his own fans.
READ MORE: Joey calls out Manly over 'disrespectful' DCE move
READ MORE: Coach gets mystical as sevens superstar returns
READ MORE: Roosters powerbrokers learn fate over Vegas incident
While the five-eighth hasn't reacted to the booing, O'Brien admitted he did "feel for" Brown, who will earn $13 million over his 10-year deal with the Knights.
Dylan Brown in action against the Tigers. Getty
"No doubt [it would be hard] for any young person to cop that amount of criticism," the coach told media on Thursday.
"I can't speak for the fans, but what I will say is that he's been a really good servant for that club, he's been in a grand final for them.
"He's still the same player he was three weeks ago ... I do feel for him."
Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
Brown has spent his entire career to date with the Eels and despite having options in his favour to remain at the club, the money on offer at Newcastle was too good to refuse.
His form early in the year - especially after inking a mammoth contract - had led to plenty of criticism, but O'Brien is refusing to let it cloud Newcastle's judgement.
Adam O'Brien speaks to media ahead of round three. Newcastle Knights
"I haven't lost any faith in our purchase," he said.
"I'm really happy with us being able to bring Dylan to the club next year and I know what he'll look like in our team.
"As for how he's going there at Parramatta, I know he'll have his mind very fixated on this season and he wants to end on a really good note at that club."
Brown will be in action for the Eels on Sunday afternoon against the Bulldogs.
