![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/poster-fallback.png\"\/)
<\/p>\nKnights coach Justin Holbrook heaped praise of marquee playmaker Dylan Brown after he kicked a decisive field goal to down the Dolphins on Sunday night.<\/p>\n
Brown was recruited from the Eels ahead of the 2026 season, signing the richest deal in NRL history which spans 10 years and is reportedly worth around $13 million.<\/p>\n
Newcastle powerbroker\u2019s decision to hand the 26-year-old a contract of that magnitude was heavily criticised, especially considering the doubts surrounding his ability to be a chief playmaker.<\/p>\n
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Watch every game of every round of the Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1<\/a>.<\/p>\n However, Brown has well and truly answered those critics with his form, and his calm head was crucial to securing two competition points against a genuine contender in 2026.<\/p>\n It was Sandon Smith who originally lined up to take the field goal with the scores locked at 12 a piece, but after slipping over, it came to Brown on the next play.<\/p>\n He calmly slotted it between the posts, a moment that marked his first career field goal \u2014 which surprised Holbrook.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a bit weird when Sandon all of a sudden has ice skates on and he slipped around everywhere, he was obviously our first choice,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cThen I didn\u2019t think Dyl (Brown) would take it from there, but that\u2019s the calmness that he plays the game with.<\/p>\n \u201cHe slotted it like he\u2019s kicked a hundred of them and that\u2019s his first one. Big players in big moments and he delivered for us.\u201d<\/p>\n As for his assessment of the game as a whole, Holbrook explained his side were getting used to securing two points in tight contests.<\/p>\n Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!<\/a><\/p>\n Woolf reflects on heartbreaking defeat | 04:16<\/p>\n Across Newcastle\u2019s last five fixtures, the result has been decided by six points or less \u2014 with the Knights coming away with a win in four of those clashes.<\/p>\n \u201cThe first half was obviously terrific, I thought we defended great and took some opportunities and probably unlucky not to get another one with Dyl Lucas on the grubber kick,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cWhich which would have you know been a great half. But in the second half, you know, the Dolphins even missing who they\u2019re missing, they just get on with it and they just they chance their arm.<\/p>\n \u201cBut they back themselves and obviously then to get to 12 all just shows what you know great, I guess, grit the side\u2019s got and the will to win and the will to want to play for each other.<\/p>\n \u201cThen to have Dyl Brown kick his field goal the way he did, and then the boys hold on is awesome. <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re getting used to those tight wins, but the main thing is we\u2019re winning.\u201d<\/p>\n MORE NRL NEWS<\/p>\n TALKING PTS: Madge\u2019s \u2018mind games\u2019 aren\u2019t following anyone; Panthers elephant in room<\/a><\/p>\n NRLW PREDICTIONS: Favourite in title race; dark horse tipped to shock<\/a><\/p>\n