“He’s always had that crazy side of him,” full extent of Roosters Nathan Brown’s potential for havoc

To grasp the full extent of Nathan Brown’s potential for havoc, one need only recall a particular clash between the Sydney Roosters and Manly from the previous year. In that encounter, while representing the Roosters, Brown’s involvement at the SCG was as brief as it was impactful – a mere 30 seconds before he was ejected for striking Ben Trbojevic in the head. This incident, a rare instance of provoking Jake Trbojevic, Ben’s elder brother, underscores Brown’s disruptive capacity on the field.

Now aligned with the Sea Eagles, Brown finds himself the subject of banter during training sessions whenever he crosses paths with the youngest Trbojevic. Despite his past notoriety as “rugby league’s dirtiest player,” a label pinned on him by News Ltd papers, Brown is poised to mark his 150th game, slated against the Roosters at a bustling 4 Pines Park on Sunday afternoon.

Reflecting on his journey, Brown acknowledges that achieving this milestone might have transpired sooner—or not at all—had it not been for his recurrent run-ins with match officials. Since 2016, the 31-year-old has faced charges on eight occasions, resulting in seven missed games due to suspension. His debut for the Sea Eagles in Las Vegas saw him fined $100 for a reckless high tackle on South Sydney’s Jai Arrow.

In addressing his past reputation as a troublemaker, Brown voices a desire to leave that label behind as he enters this new phase of his career. Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold and teammates commend the aggression Brown injects into their lineup, with Seibold noting the seamless integration of Brown into the team dynamic despite his stint at five different clubs.

Haumole Olakau’atu, a fellow back-rower, hails Brown’s contributions and mentorship, emphasizing his leadership by example and the camaraderie he fosters among younger players. Even Ben Trbojevic, though approached with nervous laughter, acknowledges Brown’s character, having received assurances from his brother Jake about Brown’s true nature.

Aaron Woods, a longtime acquaintance of Brown, encapsulates the essence of Brown’s career milestone, highlighting his evolution beyond on-field antics towards a more settled and contented personal life. Despite signing a one-year contract with Manly, Brown remains optimistic about his NRL prospects, believing he still has much to offer the game.