Former Warriors playmaker Ronald Volkman, playing his first game for 17 months, was on fire, while the skills of new fullback Isaiah Iongi would have thrilled Ryles in the NRL Pre-Season Challenge clash in Newcastle.
The 21-year-old Iongi, recruited from Penrith as a replacement for club legend Clint Gutherson, chimed into the backline with panache to send winger Jake Tago over to score in the first half as the visitors took a 22-4 lead after 40 minutes.
All eyes were on Brown and he delivered for the Eels.
The New Zealand international, who has a clause in his contract allowing him to test the market for the 2026 season until round 10, has been under scrutiny in the pre-season as his management seeks $1.2 million per season.
Ryles said before the match on Fox League that his commitment had been top-shelf at training.
Brown started the clash on fire to score in the third minute from a scrum, with his strength and deception to the fore. Later in the half he sent Joash Papalii over with a slick pass.
Volkman, playing half, showed he is going to be a wonderful back-up for Mitchell Moses and Brown this year. Two no-look passes from Volkman led to tries, the second an absolute corker
Released by the Warriors at the end of 2023, the 22-year-old was controversially meant to join St George Illawarra.
The Dragons announced they had signed Volkman, before a medical examination revealed a serious shoulder injury that would rule him out for the season.
Volkman was then cut by the Dragons, given his contract had not been formally registered with the NRL, and was unable to secure a deal elsewhere.
The Dragons accepted a $40,000 suspended fine, Volkman had successful shoulder surgery and Parramatta signed him.
The Knights have switched 2024 outside-back sensation Fletcher Sharpe to five-eighth and he had moments of class and other glitches that showed he is a work in progress.
Sharpe, who was involved in much of the side's most promising attack, has speed to burn and once he settles into the new role will no doubt fine-tune the rough edges.
The beauty of the 20-year-old is how he can pop up just about anywhere and use his rugby league smarts to create options.
Former Canterbury forward Kitione Kautoga unveiled power and passion in the back row for Parramatta.
