Jason Ryles' telling admission amid messy Dylan Brown contract saga

Eels coach Jason Ryles has conceded the ball is in Dylan Brown's court as speculation around his future at the club continues.

The Eels No.6 is contracted until 2031, but has player options available from next year. His manager, Chris Orr, in January sent an email to clubs informing them Brown was open to offers.

The Eels have also rejected from Brown's management of a buy-out to remove the first get-out clause in his contract.

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Brown has until round 10 to activate the option.

Speaking after the Eels' 30-10 pre-season loss to the Tigers at Leichhardt Oval, Ryles admitted he'd like the contract saga sorted "sooner rather than later".

"Dylan is entitled to do whatever he likes in regards to the situation he is in," he said.

"What I need to do is provide the best environment for him to come to footy every day so he can be the best he can be.

"With me, he's been outstanding. We'll support Dylan 100 per cent, whichever direction he goes.

"Obviously sooner rather than later would be nice, but it's important he gets this decision right because it's a really important one for him.

"We're pretty clear on our position. We're really clear as a footy club. The club has showed a lot of faith in him offering him a nine-year deal. We're in the midst of that at the moment. That's where it all sits."

Brown missed the loss to the Tigers to attend his brother's wedding in New Zealand.

The Eels will begin their season proper against the Storm in Melbourne on March 9.