Newcastle Knights playmaker Dylan Brown has received the crucial green light from United States authorities, clearing him to travel for the club's highly anticipated season-opening match in Las Vegas. The 25-year-old New Zealand international had been subject to additional visa scrutiny due to past legal proceedings, but has now been approved to join his teammates for the historic American excursion.
Visa Process Concludes After Weeks of Uncertainty
Brown's travel authorisation comes after what Knights officials described as a standard but necessary administrative process. The talented half had been required to undergo individual assessment by US government officials, a procedure that has affected several NRL players over the past three seasons when travelling to Las Vegas for the league's showcase event.
In 2023, Brown pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual touching following an incident at a Sydney pub, which triggered the additional visa checks. Knights director of football Chris James maintained confidence throughout the process, noting that the US government has historically been cooperative with NRL teams making the trans-Pacific journey.
Record Signing Poised for Knights Debut
Brown's clearance represents a significant relief for the Knights, who recently secured the playmaker on a landmark 10-year contract worth approximately $13 million. The marquee signing is expected to make his club debut in the halves when Newcastle faces North Queensland Cowboys on March 1 (AEDT) at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
While Brown will be rested for next week's trial match against St George Illawarra at Kogarah, he is scheduled to feature in the following week's trial against the Bulldogs in Newcastle. This appearance will mark his first time wearing Knights colours and playing at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Knights Prepare for American Adventure
The Knights' 43-strong travelling party, comprising players and support staff, will depart for the United States on Friday, February 20. During their week-long camp in Nevada, the team plans to train at the renowned UFC Centre and experience a classic Las Vegas show as part of their preparation.
This year marks the third consecutive season that the NRL has taken matches to Las Vegas, continuing the code's expansion into international markets. The Knights' opponent, North Queensland, also faces visa considerations with prop Matthew Lodge awaiting approval due to his own legal history in the United States.
Club Culture and Community Connections
Meanwhile, the Knights have been strengthening their cultural foundations during the pre-season, with recent visits from club legends including premiership-winning captain Paul Harragon. Known affectionately as The Chief, Harragon addressed the current playing group alongside coach Justin Holbrook at club headquarters, continuing a tradition of connecting new recruits with the team's storied history.
James praised Holbrook's efforts to embed the team within the Newcastle community, noting open training sessions, coal mine visits, and appearances from former stars have created what he described as such a good pre-season. The director of football referred to Harragon as the spiritual leader of the Knights, emphasising the importance of understanding the club's heritage and what it represents to the local community.
With Brown's travel documents now secured, the Knights can focus fully on their final preparations before embarking on their American campaign, aiming to start their season with a victory on international soil.
