Brown's manager Chris Orr sent an email to all clubs on January 15 inviting them to "register your club's interest in securing the services of Dylan Brown for season 2026 and beyond", adding "an appropriate time" could then be arranged to speak to Brown.
The Dolphins received the email and AAP understands a conversation ensued about the New Zealand international, but no formal talks followed.
Brown is signed at Parramatta until 2031 but has an exit clause that allows him to test the market for 2026 up until round 10 this year.
"If there is a player available it seems the Dolphins are going to sign them. I don't know if we have a different salary cap to everyone else," Reader said.
"Dylan Brown is contracted to Parramatta for seven years on a salary over $1 million and I can't see him leaving Parramatta.
"We've had no formal chats with him."
Reader said the Dolphins' priorities with salary cap funds were with current players.
"The way we've managed our salary cap, our biggest focus is re-signing the players we have," he said.
"We've got a few players coming off-contract.
"When you look at the players in our spine, we're very comfortable with who we've got."
A look at the NRL-contracted players confirms Reader's assessment with at least 19 players either off contract at the end of 2025 or 2026.
With the likely introduction of a Perth side in 2027, the Dolphins will need to set aside funds to retain the players integral to their title aspirations.
Half Isaiya Katoa and hooker Jeremy Marshall-King are both on the books until the end of 2028 while fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is contracted until 2027.
Meanwhile the Dolphins are in the market to secure the services of St Helens star forward Morgan Knowles who tasted great success under new Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf previously when he led the Super League club.
One report out of England suggested the 28-year-old had committed to stay.
"We have seen the press, Reader said.
"Woolfy coached him and they won three premierships together at St Helens.
"He wants to test himself in the NRL and there is interest to talk to him. That's where it is at the moment.
"We are always interested in good players, especially if they want to play for us.
"We'll have a chat and see what happens."
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