'I've gone through it': Why Mitchell Moses is backing Dylan Brown amid Eels contract saga
Eels half Dylan Brown can have "as much time as he wants" to test the market and make a decision on his future with the club, according to newly-unveiled skipper and halves partner Mitchell Moses.
The rumour mill went into overdrive last month after Brown's management sent an email to all 16 NRL clubs, as well as Rugby Australia bosses, to gauge interest and set up potential meetings.
Officially contracted until the end of 2031, the final six years are options. Brown has until round 10 to take up the next three years of his deal, worth close to $1m a season.
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Moses went through a similar will-he-won't-he contract saga in 2023, and turned down lucrative deals from the Bulldogs and Tigers to stay in the blue and gold.
Mitchell Moses embraces Dylan Brown following the Eels' 2022 preliminary final win over the Cowboys. Getty
Speaking to media on Friday, Moses said the playing group had made their feelings to Brown known.
"I've gone through it, it won't be tough for [Brown]," Moses said.
"I've had some chats with him, but he'll make the decision when he's ready.
"What he does outside footy is what nobody sees – he has a massive effect on the Parramatta area.
"I feel like I play my best footy with Dylan. I really hope he stays. He knows I love playing with him, everyone else in the team loves playing with him, so he knows where we all stand. It's up to him, you give him as much time as he wants."
The Dolphins are considered the only club with the room in their salary cap to afford Brown's asking price, but chief executive Terry Reader told Nine's Today on Thursday the club isn't interested.
Moses has taken over as captain following Clint Gutherson's shock departure to the Dragons.
On Friday night, the club also confirmed its chairman Sean McElduff would retire from the board.
The Eels will begin their 2025 campaign against the Storm in Melbourne on March 9.
