Andrew Johns admits he "nearly fell over" when the news broke of Dylan Brown's eye-watering 10-year, $14 million contract with his former club Newcastle.
The 24-year-old confirmed this week that he would leave the Parramatta Eels, putting pen to paper on what will be the richest deal in NRL history.
Brown will join the Knights from the 2026 onwards and will immediately form a lethal attacking combination with superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga.
However, the contract has been scrutinised due to Brown's expected role at halfback – something he has rarely done in his first grade career to date.
Andrew Johns reacts to Dylan Brown's move to the Knights. Nine/Getty
The fleet-footed Kiwi international has mainly played second fiddle to Mitchell Moses and while there's no doubting his ability, Johns isn't sure about Brown's credentials in the key playmaking role for the next decade in the Hunter.
"I nearly fell over," Johns said on Nine's Freddy and the Eighth.
"The more I thought of it, there's no halfbacks around, so I understand. Is he worth that money? No, not as a five-eighth, but they have bought him as a halfback.
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"They've gone chips all in, but this is a huge gamble. He is untried at No.7 and I have worked with Dylan and he has all the tools to be a halfback.
"Moving forward, it looks like it will be Dylan at halfback, Fletcher Sharpe at five-eighth and Kalyn at fullback. It's exciting if they can get it right, but he's untried in that position.
"He's gonna be the main man and gonna need to be the halfback."
Kalyn Ponga in action for the Knights. Â NRL Imagery
Brown has played 124 first grade games in the blue and gold jumper since making his debut as a teenager, with just 10 of those coming at halfback. Â Â
Once he arrives at the Knights, the club will have close to $3 million on both Brown and Ponga's contracts, equating to almost a quarter of their salary cap.
Brown will wear the No.6 jersey for Parramatta against the Wests Tigers in round two.