Rugby Australia boss denies links to Eels star Dylan Brown

Don’t expect to see the Parramatta star swap codes, despite Dylan Brown becoming the most talked-about issue in the NRL over the past week.

Despite having a long deal with the Eels that might extend until the end of 2031, news leaked last week that Brown might be ready to test the open market.

But if he were given the option for every season, Brown might leave early, giving the five-eighth till round ten to commit for the next campaign.

Since making his debut as a teenager, the 24-year-old has become one of the competition’s top playmakers and is in great demand by opposing teams.

No side has yet to emerge as the clear favorite at this point, and Brown is likely to stay in blue and gold.

Though the five-eighth was born in New Zealand and already plays for the Kiwis in the 13-man code, there have been rumors that Brown would be of interest to Rugby Australia since an email from his management surfaced last week.

Brown, who was chosen for the Australian Schoolboys rugby league as a teenager after moving from Auckland when he was 15, withdrew because of injuries.

Chief executive Phil Waugh, however, denied the rumors in an interview with SEN Radio on Monday morning, stating that they will concentrate on nurturing their own talent.

“Not really,” he said.

“I saw some commentary from RA on that and we are focused on our own backyard and want to keep on developing. We have got some great depth across all positions.

“[Head coach] Joe [Schmidt] is building a strong culture in and amongst the group.

“We’ve always got an open mind … Joe has built a really strong squad. I think that what you will see is players that play with each other frequently will perform.”

Joseph Suaalii, who has already excelled for the Wallabies and will continue to play in the 15-man game until the next World Cup, was a huge coup for RA in the code wars.