Nathan Brown, a man who once feared coming to Brookvale, has a heartfelt message for Manly fans.
“Just thank you. Thank you so much,’’ Brown offered.
In just six games for his new club Manly, Brown has gone from being ‘sprayed’ to quickly becoming a fan favourite amongst the Sea Eagles faithful.
He has even been christened with a new nick-name of ‘Back Fence Browny’, such is the excitement and passion generated by Manly fans over his barnstorming runs.
And don’t forget that silky pass that put Jake Trbojevic in rare open space to send Daly Cherry-Evans over the line in the win over the Eels on Friday night.
Times have certainly changed for Brown, who revealed in December how ‘it was never an easy game’ at 4 Pines Park for a player known for his aggressiveness.
“Because of who I am, I was always paying like a $1.01 (laughs) to get sprayed on the sideline,’’ Brown said at the time.
This was probably the field where I got sprayed the most
Nathan Brown
“You certainly feel, see, and hear the passion of the Manly fans. They let you know you are here.
"Hopefully, they will now get behind me. I may even get a few cheers."
A few cheers? More like huge roars and thunderous applause as Manly fans rise to their feet with each bullocking run and heavy hit Browny delivers.
His stats back it up, too, with Brown making 189 post contact metres for an average 107 running metres, 10 tackle breaks, and a superb tackle efficiency rate of 85 per cent.
So, how does Brown feel now about life in the famous maroon and white jersey?
“It means so much to me be here at Manly and to get the cheers and hear the chants,’’ Brown said, with a smile following the Eels match.
“Hearing all of that is incredible. The support I’m getting now from the fans just makes me run a little bit extra harder to be honest. I really, really enjoy it.
“I can’t thank them enough.”
For all his toughness, Brown is as as humble as you can get for a 31-year-old who was willing to accept a train and trial offer to come to Manly to re-ignite his career after 148 NRL games to his name.
A proud father, Brown got married in the off-season and is loving life more than ever.
“Away from footy, I just have a family first attitude. Enjoy life for what it is,’’ Brown added.
“Footy is all about wanting to make an impact and do your job for the team. Off the field, it’s completely different.”
