Dylan Brown is earning the respect of the Eels playing group

Emerging Eels halfback Dylan Brown has been touted as the next big thing out west.

The 18-year-old has gained the respect of his toughest teammates as he chases an opportunity to play NRL this season.

The release of star half Corey Norman to the Dragons has opened the door for several players to stake their claim on his spot, but Brown has taken it to the next level.

Speaking on The Talk in Parradise podcast for the Eels, Clint Gutherson details how Brown won over the playing group during a gruelling pre-season.

“All the young boys that have stepped up into the full time squad — especially Dyl stepping in, now that Normy’s gone he’s sort of taken a bit more control with Normy gone, so it’s impressive,” Gutherson said.

“He pushes his body to the limit in everything he can do and I think we could’ve seen that from week one when he was pushing and fainted, that’s how hard he was running.

“It’s exciting to see that a young fella, 18, coming into the squad just trying to push his case and I’m sure the coaches, Brad [Arthur] and the coaches, really want to see that — and I know that he earned a lot of the boys’ respect by doing that, so that’s something you want to see. I think he’s going to have a massive year no matter where he’s playing.”

Brown is yet to play in the NRL but has been a star in the lower grades for the Eels and is signed until the end of 2020.

The little-known halfback was thrown into the spotlight at the end of 2018 when he was named as a potential target for the Warriors to replace Shaun Johnson.

Gutherson is also in the running to step into the halves beside halfback Mitch Moses after Norman’s departure.

However, he said he would prefer to remain at fullback — which can only be a positive for Brown.

“I like playing fullback, sort of roam around and do my own thing, and just gel with the other players and the halves. I can sort of play anywhere, and I just want to be playing footy.

“I just love competing and trying to do my part for the team.

“At the moment I’m playing fullback and I’m loving it.”