Most NRL players could tell you all about Andrew Johns.

But Eels young gun Dylan Brown can’t.

The 19-year-old five-eighth – who admits he was a rugby union fan growing up – along with the rest of the Eels’ spine have become Johns’ apprentices since he joined the club’s coaching staff.

Despite not having any memory of Johns in his heyday, Brown still knows exactly how influential he’s been on the game.

Round 19

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“I didn’t watch league, I’m not a league guy so I’ve always watched union. I only started watching league when I was like 10,” Brown said this week.

“I still obviously know how significant of a person (Johns) is, he’s the eighth Immortal so there you go it speaks for himself.”

Johns’ experience is a welcomed addition to the Eels who have one of the youngest halves combination in the game.

He joined the club at the start of December and Brown can already appreciate what he brings to the table.

“When he walks in he’s so calm, got his sunnies on looking all cool and stuff but he can still move so for him to actually show us what we have to do helps so much more.

“He breaks us right down to the little things like just simple play, he just breaks it right down and it’s so much easier for me being younger and an up and coming half – it helps a lot.

“It’s only been a few months with him so with this whole year hopefully we just keep learning off him.”

One of Johns’ biggest assets was his defence – something Brown wasn’t aware of.

However, he’s been focusing more on attack with Brown, his halves partner Mitchell Moses, hooker Reed Mahoney and fullback Clint Gutherson.

“We’re working on a lot of just kicking and plays and passing and all that stuff but I didn’t even know (that he was a defensive half) but something I pride myself on is my defence so hopefully I can learn something off him with that too.”

Andrew Johns joined the Eels' coaching staff in December to work with the spine. Photo credit: Benjamin Cuevas, Parramatta Eels Source: Supplied

Brown’s halves partner, Moses had a stellar 2019 season and was named Dally M Halfback of the Year.

They only managed to get in a handful of games together last year due to a nasty back injury that hindered Browns rookie season but the pair have worked out a combination that allows each of their strengths shine.

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“We’re all comfortable with each other. What everyone keeps getting at is that we’re so young, but I think that’s sort of a positive. Mitch can take control when he feels comfortable doing so with me being young.

“He says it all the time and I do too, he takes control and I do what I can do, it fits for the team and we just go off that.”

After an impressive debut in Round 1 last year, Brown’s season was overshadowed by an unusual back injury that kept him sidelined for more than three months.

This season he aims to keep that injury under control and play every game for the Eels.

“Probably my main focus this year is my back. It’s good now so probably playing Round 1 to 26 and beyond.

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“Hopefully keep the position as well, I’ve got to play good to stay in the team so do whatever Brad says and do what the boys want and get some wins.”

Brown had lower back bruising and was at risk of developing a stress fracture.

It caused a sudden halt to his NRL career after being dubbed a superstar in the making.

“At the time I couldn’t even play with it. I can’t remember what round I came back (Round 15) but at the start of that it was still challenging. When I got to let’s say the Melbourne game and we lost (Elimination final), after that it was fine it was good.

“This year, it’s just something you’ve just got to stay on top of like stretching and all that, but it’s just like any other injury it’s pretty good now.”

Heading into his second season in the NRL, Brown faces the ‘second year syndrome’ superstition.

He didn’t actually know what it was until recently but regardless he won’t let it faze him.

“I got told about that last week and I shat myself, I was like ‘shit is that a thing.’ I sort of knew the gist of it but I didn’t know it had a name.

“It’s not something I’m focusing on, it’s just my injury and playing week-to-week so hopefully that doesn’t sneak in anywhere throughout this year.”

With just 15 NRL games under his belt, Brown is still very much a rookie but given he’s gearing up for his second season as an NRL player he’s had to grow up quickly.

“There’s kids older than me here – 20-year-olds. I’m still young. That is a big jump, but trying to act mature at times when I’m actually a kid myself is pretty challenging but I’m getting used to it.”

The Eels recently announced their leadership group for 2020 so Brown will have plenty of experienced heads to turn to but there’s one in particular that’s left a big impression on him.

New recruit Ryan Matterson.

“I think it was the third session, he actually got up and said this massive speech in front of us and we were all just like ‘wow he’s here to win.’

“Everyone had respect for him already but for him to do that in front of a new club it honestly shows that he wants to be a leader.

“He’s in the leadership group too, so it’s been what two months and he’s already in the leadership group so it shows what kind of player he is and what he can do for us,” Brown said.

“It was a long speech but it was all about winning and mindfulness. That was the thing so we’ve all been trying to get on top of that this season.

“It’s just to do with being mindful, what you can do when you’re the best and what you can do when you’re in your mode so we’re working on that.”