EXCLUSIVE: Andrew Johns reveals why Dylan Brown axing is the 'right call' for Parramatta's future

Andrew Johns believes the next generation of Eels stars are getting a "head start" from coach Jason Ryles after he opted to axe Dylan Brown from the starting line-up.

The Parramatta coach has made several bold calls this season but his latest choice to cut Brown from the halves has divided league greats.

In the space of three weeks, Brown has played five-eighth, hooker, lock and spent time on the bench as Ryles gives Eels rookie Joash Papalii the opportunity to don the No.6 jersey.

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With Brown set to depart the Eels at season's end, Ryles said he will favour a young spine for the remaining weeks of the competition.

"Our spine was young tonight for periods there, but that's where we're going with the club," Ryles said after the side's 32-10 loss to the Penrith Panthers

League great Brad Fittler was not in favour of the call, insisting he feels the best team should be fielded for the sake of the supporters. However, Johns disagreed.

"Joash Papalii is playing five-eighth - I think that is the right call," he said on Wide World of Sports' Immortal Behaviour.

"He is getting a two-month head start before October. I think it is a smart move.

"Brad Fittler was quite strong saying that he's (Brown) still there, they've got supporters and members that they should put the best team out for. But for me, I think it is a head start on next year's competition to see if Joash Papalii is up to that (standard).

"Then you've got Mitch Moses, Joash at 6, Tallyn Da Silva at 9 and then the young bloke (Isaiah) Iongi at the back - he is a superstar."

Although gun halfback Moses is sidelined with injury, Johns admitted the small glimpse of the future seen in recent weeks is a promising sign for Parramatta fans.

"Success is only going to come quicker for the Eels than I thought," he said.

"(Ryles) has made some big calls already this year. He let (Clint Gutherson) Gutho go. It was a win-win for Gutho and the St George Illawarra Dragons, and also for the Eels fullback.

"I think they are going to be around the eight next year."