Dylan Brown Claims Double Honour as Parramatta Eels Confirm His Blue & Gold Army Award and Ray Price Community Award in 2025
In a season filled with twists, challenges, and remarkable moments of resilience, Parramatta Eels star five-eighth Dylan Brown has cemented his place not only as one of the club’s most gifted players but also as a role model within the rugby league community. The Eels confirmed that Brown was the recipient of both the “Blue & Gold Army Award” and the prestigious “Ray Price Community Award” in 2025, a rare double recognition that underscores his impact on and off the field.
The announcement, made during the Eels’ annual presentation evening, carried an air of inevitability. Brown’s season had been a tapestry of game-changing performances and off-field dedication, combining skill, grit, and generosity in equal measure. For many, these awards symbolize the essence of what it means to be a Parramatta Eel: a relentless competitor, a team-first professional, and a servant of the community.
What the Awards Mean
The Blue & Gold Army Award is voted for by the fans, a direct reflection of how much the Eels faithful appreciate and value a player’s contribution over the course of a season. It’s not just about statistics or highlight-reel moments but about the way a player connects with supporters, represents the club’s colours, and embodies its spirit week in, week out.
The Ray Price Community Award, named after the legendary Eels forward Ray Price, holds perhaps an even deeper resonance. It is awarded to the player who has demonstrated outstanding service to the community, giving back through initiatives, outreach programs, and charity involvement. For Brown to secure both awards in the same year is a testament to his holistic influence—not just as a playmaker but as a figure of inspiration to those beyond the field.
Dylan Brown’s 2025 Season: A Breakdown
To understand why Brown’s recognition feels so richly deserved, one must look back at his 2025 campaign. From the early rounds of the season, Brown emerged as the Eels’ lynchpin in attack. His combination with halfback Mitchell Moses provided the structure and spark Parramatta needed to stay competitive against the NRL’s toughest opposition.
Brown’s running game was his trademark weapon. Few players in the competition could match his ability to spot defensive weaknesses, glide through the line, and turn half-chances into scoring opportunities. His defensive resilience, often overlooked in the past, came to the forefront in 2025 as he consistently shut down attacking raids from some of the league’s most dangerous edges.
But beyond numbers—tries scored, assists tallied, tackles completed—it was Brown’s leadership by example that set him apart. As the Eels navigated injuries, form dips, and the high expectations of their passionate supporter base, Brown stood firm. Teammates described him as a calming presence in the sheds, someone who spoke less about individual brilliance and more about collective responsibility.
Fan Favourite: Why the Blue & Gold Army Voted for Dylan
The Parramatta fanbase, one of the most passionate in rugby league, has long had a special relationship with Dylan Brown. From his debut in 2019 as a promising young half, supporters quickly saw in him the qualities they crave: toughness, loyalty, and flair.
In 2025, Brown’s connection with fans deepened further. After matches, he was frequently spotted staying back to sign autographs, take photos, and engage with young kids who idolized him. On social media, his interactions felt authentic, with posts celebrating the fans’ dedication as much as his own career milestones.
For many fans, voting Brown as their Blue & Gold Army Player of the Year was not just recognition of his statistics but of his unwavering effort. Even in games where the Eels struggled, Brown’s commitment never wavered. Supporters often pointed to his work rate in defence, his fearless ball-running, and his ability to inspire those around him.
The award confirmed that Dylan Brown is more than just a player for Parramatta; he’s become the heartbeat of their fan-player relationship.
Off the Field: Dylan Brown the Community Leader
The Ray Price Community Award was arguably the crowning achievement of Brown’s 2025. While rugby league players are often involved in outreach programs, Brown’s efforts went above and beyond expectations.
Throughout the year, he spearheaded several initiatives aimed at youth development and indigenous community support. Having grown up in New Zealand with Samoan heritage, Brown has always spoken openly about the importance of giving back to the next generation. In 2025, he partnered with local schools in Western Sydney to deliver mentoring programs, focusing not just on sporting skills but also on personal development, resilience, and education.
Brown was also a regular presence at hospital visits, youth centres, and fundraising events. His work with mental health awareness campaigns earned widespread praise, particularly as he used his platform to destigmatize conversations around mental well-being.
One highlight came mid-season when Brown organized a charity touch football day, raising funds for families affected by flooding in regional New South Wales. The event drew hundreds of supporters and teammates, with Brown personally covering costs to ensure all proceeds went directly to those in need.
Ray Price himself, speaking at the awards night, praised Brown’s “unselfish dedication to community service,” calling him “a player who understands that wearing the blue and gold means more than playing football—it means being a leader for the people.”
Teammates and Coaches React
Parramatta Eels head coach Jason Ryles was effusive in his praise for Brown’s double honour.
“Dylan’s season has been a reflection of hard work, maturity, and genuine passion for this club,” Ryles said. “He’s not only one of the best five-eighths in the game right now, but also one of the best role models. To win both the fans’ award and the community award in the same year says everything you need to know about the type of person he is.”
Mitchell Moses, Brown’s long-term halves partner, shared similar sentiments: “Playing alongside Dylan is special. He brings energy, creativity, and selflessness every week. Off the field, the way he gives back is inspiring. He deserves every bit of recognition.”
Younger teammates like Blaize Talagi and Jirah Momoisea also pointed to Brown’s willingness to mentor them, noting how he often takes time after training sessions to help refine their skills or talk through game strategies.
A Career Milestone and What’s Next
For Brown, 2025’s double recognition may stand as a milestone year in his career. It wasn’t just about awards but about legacy-building. At only 25 years old, Brown has already etched his name into Eels history books. Fans see him not only as a cornerstone of the current squad but as a player who could become one of the all-time greats if he continues on this trajectory.
With the Eels looking ahead to 2026, speculation has already begun about Brown’s long-term future. While his contract situation remains stable, there is no doubt that rival clubs would be eager to lure a player of his calibre. However, Brown has consistently expressed his loyalty to Parramatta, stating that he wants to help deliver a premiership to the fans who have supported him since day one.
Legacy of the Awards
Winning both the Blue & Gold Army Award and the Ray Price Community Award places Brown in rare company. Few players have managed the feat, as it requires both footballing excellence and community leadership. For Parramatta, it highlights that the club is nurturing not just athletes but ambassadors.
For the fans, it reinforces the idea that their heroes are more than just entertainers—they are individuals who care deeply about their communities. For the league, it showcases Dylan Brown as a model of what modern rugby league players should aspire to be: skilled professionals, loyal teammates, and socially responsible citizens.
Conclusion
Dylan Brown’s 2025 season will be remembered as the year he fully came into his own—on the field as the Eels’ creative heartbeat and off the field as a leader and community champion. Winning the Blue & Gold Army Award was proof of his enduring bond with fans, while the Ray Price Community Award highlighted his selfless commitment to others.
In many ways, the double honour captured the essence of Brown as both a player and a person: talented, humble, and driven by a sense of duty to those around him. For Parramatta supporters, these awards serve as a reminder that their club is built on more than wins and losses; it’s built on values, spirit, and individuals like Dylan Brown who embody the true meaning of the blue and gold.
As the curtain falls on 2025, one thing is certain—Dylan Brown is not just the present of the Parramatta Eels but their future. His name will be spoken of with reverence for years to come, not only for what he did on the field but for the difference he made beyond it.
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