Why Dylan already feels like one of the family in Newcastle

Dylan Brown would have preferred to have made his first NRL appearance for the Knights in his new hometown of Newcastle, rather than under the bright lights of Las Vegas. 

The 25-year-old Kiwi international is grateful for the opportunity to rep his new colours against North Queensland at Allegiant Stadium but if he has his way, it might just be his one and only visit to the United States at this time of year. 

“I’m actually someone that never really wanted to go to America,” Brown told media after Newcastle's 28-0 loss to the Bulldogs in the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge on Saturday night. 

“Like, obviously I want to go, because it’s with footy, but if it wasn’t for footy, I probably wouldn’t have (gone). I’m more of an island guy, (soaking up) the sun. 

“Apparently it’s nine degrees there at the moment. It’s freezing. But apparently the stadium has air-con, it’s controlled temperature, so that will be nice. 

“I am very excited. Me and my partner, my sister, my mum and my baby are coming, so it will be pretty cool.” 

Though the Bulldogs shut the Knights out, Brown appreciated being cheered by the blue-and-red faithful for the first time after spending the past seven seasons at Parramatta. 

Signed to a big-money deal spanning the next 10 years, Brown has been blown away by the support he and his young family have received since he relocated. 

“It was awesome. Newcastle, I know from playing for Parramatta coming up here, it’s always good fun, it’s always loud, so it’s good to have them on our side,” he said. 

“Probably the people, it’s the one thing you notice. Everyone’s very friendly, everyone’s very welcoming, and it’s a good place to be. 

“I’ve said this a few times, I reckon within a week, I’m not saying it is home, but I’ve felt like I’m at home. The people are awesome, and they’re the ones who make it feel like home.” 

The Knights were their own worst enemies against Canterbury, and Brown had few chances to display his attacking skills alongside new halves partner Sandon Smith. 

But he enjoyed the experience and believes he and his new team will be better for the run by the time they play in Vegas, where they will be bolstered by the return of captain Kalyn Ponga, sparkplug Fletcher Sharpe, veteran centre Dane Gagai, and recruit Trey Mooney. 

“Obviously it will be my first game but it’s our first game as a team, and that’s what we’re focusing on, and we can’t put that on in Vegas,” he said. 

“It was a trial game, and that doesn’t really represent who we are... there were a lot of positives out there. I felt like we defended well, and obviously ill-discipline in areas let us down, but that won’t happen in Vegas. 

“We wanted to try our hand and see how we went in our attack but their line speed was too good and we didn’t adapt. 

“But like I said, it gave us a good chance to work on our defence and even though the scoreboard doesn’t really reflect it, I thought we defended really well on our line. 

“There’s obviously things we’re going to need to work on going back to training, but we’ve got two weeks until Vegas so that’s going to be very important.” 

New Knights coach Justin Holbrook has been pleased with Brown’s attitude and application at pre-season training, and saw some encouraging signs against the Bulldogs.

“He’s fine. He’s a calm guy and he did well today, for his first hit-out,” Holbrook said. 

“He defended so well, he had to make a lot of tackles, he’s a tough player, and he’ll be fantastic for us. 

“It would have been hard (for him). He didn’t get many opportunities but there were some good signs there.” 

Brown had hoped to play a trial alongside Ponga but, after eight months on the sidelines, he expects the Newcastle skipper to hit the ground running against the Cowboys. 

“There were a few key boys out, that are going to be there next week – Sharpey, obviously, and ‘KP’,” Brown said. 

“It was unfortunate that I couldn’t get one game with him before the season starts, but that’s just how it is and I’d rather them fresh for Round 1.

“I’m assuming it will be me and Sandon [in the halves], unless Justin changes anything. I don’t think there will be any changes, but I’m sure all those boys will be in amongst it somewhere. It’s pretty good with the new rule, with (a squad of) 19, so that’s pretty cool.”