Parramatta Eels Confirm Eight Departures After 2025 Season, Headlined by Dylan Brown’s Record-Breaking Move to Newcastle Knights
The Parramatta Eels have officially confirmed one of the biggest off-season shakeups in recent club history, with eight players set to leave after the conclusion of the 2025 NRL campaign. Among them is the club’s marquee playmaker, Dylan Brown, who has signed a monumental 10-year, $13 million contract with the Newcastle Knights — a record-breaking deal that has sent shockwaves across the rugby league world.
The announcement, which comes at a pivotal time for the Eels, underscores both the opportunities and challenges the club faces as it attempts to rebuild, recalibrate, and reset for the seasons ahead. While departures of this scale inevitably bring uncertainty, they also provide the platform for new strategies, fresh recruitment drives, and a chance to reshape the identity of the squad moving into the future.
Dylan Brown’s Historic Move
The centerpiece of the announcement is undoubtedly Dylan Brown’s switch to the Newcastle Knights. Widely considered one of the NRL’s most dynamic and creative five-eighths, Brown has developed into a cornerstone of Parramatta’s attack since making his debut in 2019. At just 25 years old, he now embarks on a new chapter of his career, securing the longest and richest deal ever signed by a player in the league’s history.
His 10-year, $13 million contract — averaging $1.3 million per season — represents a landmark moment, not just for Brown but also for the NRL itself. The Knights, desperate to secure a long-term marquee to spearhead their future, view Brown as the player capable of redefining their fortunes and leading them into a new era.
For Parramatta, the loss is profound. Brown was not only central to the Eels’ game plan but also a symbol of the club’s ambition to remain among the NRL’s elite. His departure leaves a sizable gap in both creativity and leadership, one that will not be easily filled. Yet it also frees up salary cap space, giving the Eels the flexibility to pursue fresh targets and reshape their roster with an eye to the future.
Other Key Departures
While Brown’s move dominates the headlines, the list of exits extends well beyond him.
- Joe Ofahengaue: The experienced forward left the Eels mid-season to join Leigh Leopards in the Super League, ending his time at the club earlier than anticipated. His toughness and versatility will be missed, particularly in a forward pack that relied on his consistency.
- Bryce Cartwright and Shaun Lane: Both announced their mid-season retirements, drawing the curtain on impactful careers. Cartwright, a player of immense skill and unpredictability, often dazzled fans with his offloads and creativity. Lane, meanwhile, was a towering figure on the edge, known for his work rate, resilience, and professionalism. Their simultaneous retirements marked a poignant moment for teammates and supporters alike.
- Joey Lussick, Wiremu Greig, Dan Keir, and Haze Dunster: These players were also confirmed as departures, either through releases or non-renewals. While not as high-profile as the other names, their exits represent additional changes to the squad’s depth and rotational options.
Together, these eight departures highlight the scale of turnover confronting the Eels as they prepare for 2026.
The Club’s Perspective
Parramatta CEO Jim Sarantinos and the football department acknowledged that while the news of Brown’s departure is difficult, the decisions collectively form part of a longer-term strategy. The club is prioritizing both financial responsibility and the development of young talent coming through its pathways.
“The Eels have always prided themselves on building a squad capable of competing at the highest level,” Sarantinos said. “While we farewell some incredible players who have contributed enormously to our journey, we also see this as a moment of renewal. We remain committed to assembling a team that can inspire our fans and contend for premierships in the years ahead.”
The exits, though painful, do create opportunities for younger players to step up. Promising talents from the Eels’ NSW Cup and junior pathways are expected to be given greater responsibility, while targeted recruitment is also anticipated.
The Fans’ Reaction
For Eels fans, the departures are bittersweet. The announcement has been met with a mix of sadness, gratitude, and cautious optimism. Supporters have expressed their admiration for Dylan Brown’s contributions but also disappointment at losing such a central figure to a rival. Cartwright and Lane’s retirements have sparked emotional tributes online, with many fans recalling their best moments in blue and gold.
However, there is also an undercurrent of excitement about what lies ahead. The possibility of fresh signings, the chance to blood new talent, and the financial freedom provided by Brown’s exit have given supporters reasons to believe in the future.
Mitchell Moses and the Road Ahead
With Dylan Brown departing, much of the leadership burden will fall on Mitchell Moses. Already a pivotal figure in the team, Moses’ role will expand further as he becomes the focal point of Parramatta’s attack. His experience, composure, and playmaking ability will be essential in guiding the Eels through this transition.
Moses has already signaled his intent to embrace the challenge, stating that while Brown’s absence will be felt, the club has the resilience and ambition to push forward.
Conclusion
The 2025 season will be remembered as a watershed moment for the Parramatta Eels. The departure of eight players, capped by Dylan Brown’s record-breaking switch to Newcastle, represents both the end of an era and the beginning of a new one.
While uncertainty always accompanies such turnover, the Eels now stand at a crossroads: a chance to rebuild, redefine their identity, and reinvest in both youth and experience. For the players leaving, the fans’ gratitude and admiration will remain. For those who stay and those yet to come, the challenge is clear — to take Parramatta forward into a new era of competitiveness, resilience, and hope.
