Dylan Brown could never have predicted his rugby league season would end this way – helping to lead the Kiwis to their second Pacific Cup title.
In-and-mostly-out of the Parramatta Eels line-up this season, Brown roared to life to win three consecutive player-of-the-match gongs as New Zealand took down Samoa twice and Tonga once to claim the crown.
Playing at five-eighth alongside Kieran Foran in his final games of rugby league, Brown thrived in the Kiwi environment, staking an undeniable claim for the 2025 Golden Boot award
“The feeling is awesome,” Brown said.
“It’s been a long year… but the boys connection pulled us through and we really enjoyed that one.
“I think interesting is actually a good word for (describing the past season).
“A lot of people are saying it’s like been a bad year or this and that, but I think interesting’s pretty true.
“I’ve learnt a lot, played centre, I’ve played hooker, I’ve been dropped from an NRL team … but all you can do is just continue to learn and like we just talked about, a good highlight is obviously winning this.
“I just really enjoyed my footy the last three games – it’s been awesome.
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All the emotions: Kieran Foran chats post game
“When I got the phone call from Stacey (Jones), he actually asked me if I was keen on Kiwis and for me, it’s never a question.
“I’m always going to be willing to play for my country no matter how I feel and it’s been awesome.
“Honestly if I didn’t play, I would have been really disappointed with myself.
“Playing for your country, there’s no better feeling.
“I’m not someone that celebrates tries too often but when you’re playing in the black jersey, it just sort of just takes you over.
Dylan Brown and Kieran Foran embrace.
©NRL Images
“I think after that win, it’s gives us a lot of confidence.
“It’s going to be a good World Cup next year.”
While much of the pre-tournament hype surrounded the Tonga and Samoa teams, Jones and his Kiwi side were quietly confident about what they could achieve.
“Honestly I feel like it was good for us, there was no pressure on us,” Brown said.
“We ourselves expected to win, regardless of what other people are saying.
“We have an expectation that we’re the best in the world, and that’s something that ‘Fish’ (co-captain James Fisher Harris) drives the most.
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Kiwis v Toa Samoa – Final, 2025
“He’s one of the best players in the world, and when you’ve got someone talking about that, it’s pretty easy for you to follow.
“We truly believe that and we’re going to come in hot.
“I feel like it’s going to be good for the World Cup as well.
“I can’t wait for next year.”
With the tournament success under his belt, Brown was looking forward to a good season ahead at his new home in Newcastle, with the confirmation of his switch of clubs to the Knights being announced early in the 2025 season.
Dylan Brown in action in the final against Samoa.
©Anthony Kourembanas / NRL Images
“I’m not going to lie, I was nervous moving up to Newcastle; I’ve lived in Parramatta for 10 years,” Brown said.
“But I’ve been up there for five weeks now and I absolutely love it, it’s a great town.
“The interactions that I’ve had have been really wholesome, just a simple ‘hey, welcome, welcome to Newcastle’, welcome to God’s country they call it, and it’s really nice.
“I’m happy I get to skip a few weeks of pre-season because that’s tough, but my partner’s pregnant, so we’re going to be having a baby very soon, so no doubt I’ll be in training pretty early.”