EXCLUSIVE: Joey’s Concerns for Knights Sparked by ‘Hybrid Halfback’ Rumour Amidst Major Questions for Brown

The lingering question regarding the number that Dylan Brown will wear next season with the Newcastle Knights remains unanswered, even for Andrew Johns.

In March, Brown signed the most lucrative contract in the league’s history with the Knights, and he is all set to partner up with 20-year-old prodigy Fletcher Sharpe in the halves next year.

The current Parramatta five-eighth is expected to transition into the halfback role once he arrives in Newcastle, despite having spent most of his career in the number six position.

Critics have voiced concerns over Newcastle’s choice to secure Brown on a 10-year deal aimed at making him a halfback, especially considering his past struggles with the responsibilities of a senior playmaker.

Brown has candidly admitted to past challenges but feels prepared to learn the ins and outs of the halfback position if that is what the new coach Adam O’Brien expects from him.

The questions surrounding his ability have intensified this season, particularly as the Eels struggled until the return of Mitchell Moses – a true No.7 – last week.

Johns has expressed his concern that Brown may lack the “dominant voice” typically expected in this position.

“It will be interesting to see how they integrate Dylan Brown into the lineup,” Johns said on Wide World of Sports’ Immortal Behaviour.

“He is not a Nathan Cleary or Mitchell Moses, who are influential halfbacks that cover the field and manage all the kicking duties.”

“Dylan lacks that dominant presence; he has a different playing style.” He tends to focus on the left side and doesn’t often engage with the right.”

Johns revealed there have been discussions about potentially moving Sharpe into the No.7 role, though he has reservations regarding Sharpe’s kicking ability under pressure.

“There are talks about Fletcher Sharpe taking on the seven jersey,” he stated.

“While he is an instinctive player and great at support, I haven’t seen much kicking from him, especially in high-pressure situations.”

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Johns emphasised the need for the team’s spine to establish a strong connection early during pre-season training, particularly regarding who will handle the first receiver responsibilities.

“Adam Elliott doesn’t typically play that linking role… we witnessed Kalyn (Ponga) stepping up as the first receiver in their most significant win this year,” Johns noted when discussing potential team formations.

“Whether they decide to position Dylan Brown on the left and Fletcher Sharpe on the right, allowing KP to coordinate, I’m not certain.”

“I’ve heard the term ‘hybrid halfback’ being used to describe Brown, but I’m not clear what that entails. It’s going to take considerable time in the off-season to work everything out.”

“From day one of training, they need to have a clear idea. They should be definitive about who their seven, six, nine, and fullback are. Lock those four players in without changes.”

“Let them train throughout the off-season, ensuring they are all on the same page from the very first day of training about how they plan to play.”