In the world of rugby league there’s a universal truth – “forwards win matches. ” Out in Eels territory, they’ve assembled a resilient and professional pack that deserved to take the team into finals football in 2016. However, the salary cap drama of this season saw the release of powerhouse middle forward Junior Paulo. With that in mind, coach Brad Arthur has recruited both Siosaia Vave and Nathan Brown to fill the void left by Paulo. This post will profile Brown and examine what he brings to the table.
Junior Background
Brown is both a Balmain and Parramatta junior footballer. Although he spent time with the Cabramatta club, his football within the Balmain junior district saw him graded with the Wests Tigers in 2012. The highlights of his time with the Tigers NYC squad include the premiership win in 2012 and an NRL debut in Round 24 of 2013. That debut made the headlines as the Tigers had to gain special dispensation for Brown to make a one-off appearance due to an injury crisis within the club.
NRL Experience
After making his NRL debut with the Tigers in 2013, Brown did not play first grade again until switching to the South Sydney Rabbitohs for the 2015 season. During that first season with the Bunnies he made 7 top grade appearances and laid the foundation for establishing himself as an NRL regular in 2016. With 21 matches under his belt in his last season with Souths, Brown is ready to take the next step in his development as an NRL player. His selection for City Origin during the year certainly suggested that he was a star in the rise.
What Does He Bring To The Eels’ Table?
Unquestionably Nathan Brown will add aggression to the Eels pack. He is an “old school” firebrand whose passion drives him to get over his opposition by whatever means possible. Parramatta boast aggressive forwards on the edge of the ruck, so fielding a middle forward with this attitude makes sense.
Of course, to limit the analysis to an aggressive disposition would be a disservice to both Brown’s ability as a player and Brad Arthur’s recognition of talent.
Brown’s frame is ideal for a middle forward in the limited interchange era. Whether he’s named as a prop or a lock, his mobility will be a key asset. Listed as 6ft 1 and 107kg, those dimensions allow for lateral movement in defence and the leg speed to bend defensive lines in attack. Those who witnessed the ANZ Stadium clash between Parramatta and the Rabbitohs would undoubtedly remember Brown’s 30 metre dash to the try line after backing up a break through the ruck.
Brown on the charge against his future team mates.
The statistics for the Rabbitohs in 2016 yield some impressive numbers for the 23 year old. Firstly, his 1,989 running metres placed him third on their forwards list, only finishing behind the Burgess brothers, Thomas and Sam. Another interesting comparison to the Burgess brothers revealed that Brown missed fewer tackles per game, a miserly 1.2 against 2.7 (Tom) and 2.2 (Sam). Those numbers will sit nicely in an Eels team that places a strong emphasis on defence.
The most interesting statistic from 2016 points to a little acknowledged aspect of Brown’s game – his ability to promote second phase play. With a season total of 36 offloads, he finished second only to Sam Burgess who boasted 49 offloads. It was daylight third, a sure indication that these two forwards were responsible for promoting most of the Bunnies’ less structured opportunities with the football. There will be much to gain from the inclusion of a ball-playing middle forward.
Brown’s ability to promote the football will be utilised at the Eels.
The Challenge
Discipline has been a well-documented concern from the early days of Brown’s career. From the NYC brawl in 2013 to some unwanted headlines in 2016, there’s been little doubt that his passion has caused him to cross the line on the field. He’s been labelled a throwback to the bad old days or simply a thug. So have Parramatta taken on a “problem child” that could cost games?
Logically, there could be no better coach to get the best out of Brown than Brad Arthur, or indeed no better role model than Beau Scott. Under no circumstances would this fiery recruit be expected to play without passion. However, the professionalism within the coaching and playing ranks will demand greater discipline from Brown. With a team mantra of playing for each other, no player wants to be seen to let their team mates down with silly and unnecessary indiscretions. I would expect Brown to take his game to the next level in the Eels environment.
This year, Rabbitoh’s coach Maguire was notably quoted as saying that Brown “plays on the edge when fatigue sets in.” Parramatta fans should expect that the conditioning work done by the Eels will ensure that fatigue will not be a factor. Of course, the consequence for any lack of discipline would be an increasing familiarity with Ringrose Park. With Arthur renowned for his brutal honesty with players, Brown will be left in no doubt about what he will need to deliver.
A Final Word
Securing the signature of Brown at this stage of his career has been a wise strategy from the Eels. He will be turning 24 years of age at the beginning of the season and probably at a similar stage of development to other Parramatta middle forwards, Alvaro and Terepo. Such players will form the basis of the pack moving into the future. However, unlike those current Eels forwards, Brown offers a different skill set and therefore a point of difference. That can only be advantageous for the club.
Update – February 2017: I wrote this profile before watching the Eels pre-season. Based on what I’ve witnessed at training, Parra have acquired a very skilled footballer. I think I even underestimated his ball skills and versatility. I’m looking forward to watching him go round in the blue and gold this year.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Thanks to NRL, Foxsports and the Rabbitohs for images used.
Another enjoyable and informative article, thank you.
You’re welcome mate.
He was definitely up there with the bunnies best last year, I’m sure that if anyone can get the best out of him, it’s BA. I have a feeling he isn’t going to enjoy the hell dished out at pre season training though! Haha
That training certainly provided the foundation for the resilience we witnessed this year. Bring on the pre-season!
Again a good read 60’s. One can suppose that the big unknown with Brown will be control. That is the control of his physical game and to play the game hard and strong, but with control. Would be an interesting duel if our 2017 opening match was against Souths, no doubt they would know how to bait him in the hope that he looe’s his cool.
Looking at the early stats blog put up by Colmac, it was very enlightening to see the offloads that Jnr performed prior to his departure, no one else really came near him for 11 games played, the hope then is that Brown will fill that role for us, if he comes near to Jnr’s ability in that area we will certainly have a big bonuse when linked in with the other two main offload players Edwards and Ma’u.
Would actually like to see if some stats on our new signings could go up for how they went in season 2016
That could be a little project that Colmac could take on!
BA has been very specific with targeting certain roles and player types with his recruitment. The impact will be interesting to witness.
Thanks 60’s Look forward to him doing the stats and keep in a file
What stats would people like to see with the new recruits??
Colmac, Would be good to have something similar to what you have done for the eels team as per the stat attack.
Perhaps if you could slot them in by name into the eels team, and make the entry including it being in a different colour font to stand out.
Cheers.
I’m most excited about this signing for 2017. Brown should become a leader of our pack for a long time.
It’s a recruitment decision for the future, that’s for certain Pou.
Both Vave and Brown are big off loaders but I was unaware of how prolific Brown’s off loading is. Has he always been a forward. Did he play in the forwards in his junior days also.
Certainly since his NYC days.
His offload stats really stood out against the other Souths players. He and Burgess were standouts.
Thanks sixties! I’m pumped about seeing what he will bring to the table for 2017. When does training start again ?! Can’t wait !!!
So am I. First week of November I believe.
1st of November isn’t it?
When does Bernie Gurr start. I understood that it was early October but that has passed.
I believe it was towards the end of October mate?
You are correct, though plenty of communication is currently going on.
Commences tomorrow.
Looking forward to your reports mate, this time you will be on 2 legs the reports will be at a new level. If I can I will try and get down and join you now get back to work.
Well let’s say one and a half legs Borgie! see you soon mate.
Next we will have to call you tripod.
Ha! Not quite.
Sorry mate, just a joke. Had been a long day….
Very good stats Sixties. His stats make for interesting reading and considering we have got his signature, this is a v good buy. I like the detail shown from his stats, and being up there with Burgess is a v good feat.
Discipline game and this guy could go places.
And at right age to forge a long career in b&g ,vave at 27 in same boat ,arthur not just building for now a viable future,we usually dont plan beyond next week
Setting the platform for the future is a huge difference in how the eels are now going about their business under Arthur.
I’ve been talking to some knowledgeable people and they are talking about this bloke becoming a real leader of the pack. He’ll play in the middle – but as a prop or a lock?
Yes, I can see this fellow (if he plays well and is consistent) being a B Scott type player. We need that.
It’s a scarey thought at how good this bloke could be with both BA’s guidance and Scott as a mentor?
Great analysis 60s, just hope he lives up to the hype. Will you be doing something similar on all our other new recruits soon?
Thanks Glenn. Working my way through them. Might look at the Fog next.