Dylan
Brown
Northland product Dylan Brown became recognised as one of the NRL's premier five-eighths at Parramatta before making his Test debut in 2022 as New Zealand returned to the international arena for the first time in three years.
Auckland-born Brown was a Hikurangi Stags junior but moved to Sydney aged 15, attending renowned rugby league breeding ground Hills Sports High School and moving through the Eels' ranks. He steered Parramatta's SG Ball to a title in 2017 and featured in the club's NYC grand final loss to Manly later that year, while injury forced him to withdraw from the Australian Schoolboys squad.
After playing Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup the following season, Brown made his NRL debut in the opening round of 2019 aged just 18 and was hailed as one of the game's hottest playmaking properties. His rookie campaign was interrupted by injury but he nevertheless made 15 appearances - including two finals matches.
A classy ball-player with an incisive running game and rock-solid defence, Brown continued to developed for the high-flying Eels in 2020-21, passing his 50-game milestone in the NRL soon after his 21st birthday and playing in two further finals campaigns.
The prodigiously talented tyro's inevitable ascent to Kiwis status was delayed by COVID-19, but he was virtually an automatic choice to debut in the mid-2022 Test against Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium. Brown had a blinder in his maiden international outing, producing two try-assists as well as racking up 94 metres and 27 tackles in a 26-6 victory.
Brown was an integral component of Parramatta's drive to its first grand final in 13 years, playing all 28 games in a campaign that ultimately ended in defeat to Penrith in the decider. Two major career milestones ticked off in the previous few months, he headed to England as one of the Kiwis' World Cup spearheads.
The 22-year-old featured in four matches at the tournament, scoring his first Test try against Lebanon and dotting down again in a sizzling individual performance in the valiant semi-final loss to Australia as a decade-long tenure in the New Zealand line-up beckoned.
A suspension for an off-field incident restricted Brown to 17 NRL appearances during the Eels' disappointing follow-up campaign in 2023, but he returned at the back-end of the season to shape as a vital cog in the Kiwis' Pacific Championship campaign.
Brown revelled in the international arena once again, running for 193 metres in the 50-0 win over Samoa and bouncing back from unwarranted criticism from the Australian media in the wake of the Kiwis' 36-18 loss to Australia in Melbourne, setting up two tries and running for 129 metres in a 30-0 pasting of the Kangaroos in the final.
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Dylan
Brown
Northland product Dylan Brown became recognised as one of the NRL's premier five-eighths at Parramatta before making his Test debut in 2022 as New Zealand returned to the international arena for the first time in three years.
Auckland-born Brown was a Hikurangi Stags junior but moved to Sydney aged 15, attending renowned rugby league breeding ground Hills Sports High School and moving through the Eels' ranks. He steered Parramatta's SG Ball to a title in 2017 and featured in the club's NYC grand final loss to Manly later that year, while injury forced him to withdraw from the Australian Schoolboys squad.
After playing Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup the following season, Brown made his NRL debut in the opening round of 2019 aged just 18 and was hailed as one of the game's hottest playmaking properties. His rookie campaign was interrupted by injury but he nevertheless made 15 appearances - including two finals matches.
A classy ball-player with an incisive running game and rock-solid defence, Brown continued to developed for the high-flying Eels in 2020-21, passing his 50-game milestone in the NRL soon after his 21st birthday and playing in two further finals campaigns.
The prodigiously talented tyro's inevitable ascent to Kiwis status was delayed by COVID-19, but he was virtually an automatic choice to debut in the mid-2022 Test against Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium. Brown had a blinder in his maiden international outing, producing two try-assists as well as racking up 94 metres and 27 tackles in a 26-6 victory.
Brown was an integral component of Parramatta's drive to its first grand final in 13 years, playing all 28 games in a campaign that ultimately ended in defeat to Penrith in the decider. Two major career milestones ticked off in the previous few months, he headed to England as one of the Kiwis' World Cup spearheads.
The 22-year-old featured in four matches at the tournament, scoring his first Test try against Lebanon and dotting down again in a sizzling individual performance in the valiant semi-final loss to Australia as a decade-long tenure in the New Zealand line-up beckoned.
A suspension for an off-field incident restricted Brown to 17 NRL appearances during the Eels' disappointing follow-up campaign in 2023, but he returned at the back-end of the season to shape as a vital cog in the Kiwis' Pacific Championship campaign.
Brown revelled in the international arena once again, running for 193 metres in the 50-0 win over Samoa and bouncing back from unwarranted criticism from the Australian media in the wake of the Kiwis' 36-18 loss to Australia in Melbourne, setting up two tries and running for 129 metres in a 30-0 pasting of the Kangaroos in the final.
PROFILE
Height M
183
WEIGHT KG
85
DOB
Jun 21, 2000
HIGHLIGHTS
Test matches
11
Test points
24
PARAMATTA EELS (2019-2025)
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Dylan Brown, Joseph Tapine, and Apii Nicholls shortlisted for Golden Boot
The Kiwis' Dylan Brown and Joseph Tapine, and Kiwi Ferns' Apii Nicholls have been named as finalists for the 2025 IRL Golden Boot awards following the Pacific Championships.
Dylan Brown, who will join Newcastle next season on a 10-year contract, was a standout for the Kiwis in their successful Pacific Cup campaign, winning the tournament for the second time in three years by beating Samoa in the final with Brown earning Player of the Match.
Tapine, the Canberra Raiders captain, was consistently one of the Kiwis' best forwards and has again made the Golden Boot shortlist after being narrowly edged out by team-mate James Fisher-Harris for the award in 2023 when the Kiwis inflicted a record 30-0 defeat of Australia in the final.
Kiwi Ferns fullback Apii Nicholls was one of the best female players on the international stage in 2025, leading the Kiwi Ferns from the back in a stunning comeback win over Fetū Samoa, and two losses to the current world-champion Jillaroos.
Kiwis Joseph Manu and James Fisher-Harris were consecutive Golden Boot winners in 2022 and 2023, alongside Kiwi Ferns co-captains Raecene McGregor in 2022 and Georgia Hale in 2023.
The IRL Golden Boot is awarded to the best player in sanctioned rugby league international matches each year.
As seen on intrl.sport/article
Kiwis rise to the occasion in front of record Eden Park crowd
The New Zealand Kiwis have delivered a statement performance at Eden Park, powering past Tonga XIII 40–14 in front of a roaring crowd of more than 38,000 – the largest attendance for a Kiwis Test in over a decade.
The atmosphere was electric from the opening whistle, with both nations’ colours flooding the stands. Tongan supporters brought their trademark passion and noise, met equally by black jerseys through out the crowd and flags from the Kiwi faithful. Every tackle, kick, and try was met with thunderous energy, turning Eden Park into a true celebration of Pacific rugby league.
The Kiwis were clinical from the outset, running in four tries before halftime to take a commanding 24–2 lead. Dylan Brown starred in the halves with a double, while Jamayne Isaako’s accurate boot kept the scoreboard ticking over. Captain James Fisher-Harris led from the front, setting the tone with his physicality and relentless effort through the middle.
Tonga battled bravely in the second half and found moments of spark through the likes of Daniel Tupou and Jason Taumalolo, but New Zealand’s defensive structure held firm. Each Kiwi interchange made an impact, with the bench adding energy and intent to close out the match in style.
For NZRL, the result marks more than just a win it’s a reflection of the growing strength and pride in the national programme. The team’s professionalism, unity, and precision shone under pressure, reinforcing their status as one of international rugby league’s powerhouse nations.
Following the match, fans were treated to a special live performance by Josh Tatofi, who took the stage under the Eden Park lights. His soulful set capped off an unforgettable night that celebrated culture, competition, and connection — a true showcase of what rugby league means to Aotearoa and the Pacific.
The Kiwis will now shift focus to the Pacific Championships Final in Sydney, carrying momentum, belief, and the backing of an entire nation behind them.
Biography
Last updated:
November 12, 2025
Northland product Dylan Brown became recognised as one of the NRL's premier five-eighths at Parramatta before making his Test debut in 2022 as New Zealand returned to the international arena for the first time in three years.
Auckland-born Brown was a Hikurangi Stags junior but moved to Sydney aged 15, attending renowned rugby league breeding ground Hills Sports High School and moving through the Eels' ranks. He steered Parramatta's SG Ball to a title in 2017 and featured in the club's NYC grand final loss to Manly later that year, while injury forced him to withdraw from the Australian Schoolboys squad.
After playing Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup the following season, Brown made his NRL debut in the opening round of 2019 aged just 18 and was hailed as one of the game's hottest playmaking properties. His rookie campaign was interrupted by injury but he nevertheless made 15 appearances - including two finals matches.
A classy ball-player with an incisive running game and rock-solid defence, Brown continued to developed for the high-flying Eels in 2020-21, passing his 50-game milestone in the NRL soon after his 21st birthday and playing in two further finals campaigns.
The prodigiously talented tyro's inevitable ascent to Kiwis status was delayed by COVID-19, but he was virtually an automatic choice to debut in the mid-2022 Test against Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium. Brown had a blinder in his maiden international outing, producing two try-assists as well as racking up 94 metres and 27 tackles in a 26-6 victory.
Brown was an integral component of Parramatta's drive to its first grand final in 13 years, playing all 28 games in a campaign that ultimately ended in defeat to Penrith in the decider. Two major career milestones ticked off in the previous few months, he headed to England as one of the Kiwis' World Cup spearheads.
The 22-year-old featured in four matches at the tournament, scoring his first Test try against Lebanon and dotting down again in a sizzling individual performance in the valiant semi-final loss to Australia as a decade-long tenure in the New Zealand line-up beckoned.
A suspension for an off-field incident restricted Brown to 17 NRL appearances during the Eels' disappointing follow-up campaign in 2023, but he returned at the back-end of the season to shape as a vital cog in the Kiwis' Pacific Championship campaign.
Brown revelled in the international arena once again, running for 193 metres in the 50-0 win over Samoa and bouncing back from unwarranted criticism from the Australian media in the wake of the Kiwis' 36-18 loss to Australia in Melbourne, setting up two tries and running for 129 metres in a 30-0 pasting of the Kangaroos in the final.
fixtures & results
