Italy captain Nathan Brown has opened the door for a fairytale return to the Wests Tigers as he prepares to head back to Sydney and confront the lingering uncertainty over his future at Parramatta.
Brown is among a cluster of high-profile World Cup players who hit the open market on November 1, the multi-million dollar group headlined by South Sydney star Latrell Mitchell, and Parramatta pair Dylan Brown and Mitchell Moses.
More than 35 players across the 16 World Cup teams are eligible to sign with rival clubs sides next week, which has provided the chance for players to use the international stage to put themselves in the shop window.
Nathan Brown has done his cause no harm as the inspirational leader of the Italian team, which lost to Australia on Sunday morning (AEDT).
The Eels forward and Italian skipper was rocked in June when he was given permission to explore the market by Parramatta with more than a year remaining on his contract.
He had some nibbles before the mid-season trade deadline but opted to stay at Parramatta and was rewarded for his commitment to the club by playing for the Eels in the grand final.
Talks over his contract have been put off while in camp with the Italian team but his immediate playing future in the NRL is set to become an issue when he returns to Australia after a short holiday in Italy with his partner.
Brown insisted his entire focus had been on leading Italy but welcomed mooted interest from the Tigers, the club where he made his first grade debut nearly a decade ago.
The Tigers have been among the most aggressive clubs in the off-season as they look to build a side capable of infiltrating the top eight under the guidance of Tim Sheens and his assistants, Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah.
“Go back to the Tigers? Yeah, I would be [interested],” Brown said.
“See what happens. They have a couple of good signings with Sheens there, Benji and Farah. I think they are going to be on the up.
“I have a job here to do and that is to captain my country. All my focus has been on the camp and what I can do to help my teammates and help the team.”
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Brown admitted he was stunned to be told he was free to leave Parramatta, having spent six seasons at the Eels and played more than 100 games.
Having made his debut for the Tigers - he only played one game in the NRL for the club - he found a home at Parramatta after a two-year stint at South Sydney.
“One hundred per cent it was [a shock],” Brown said.
“It was just out of the blue. When it hit me, I didn’t really expect it. If I didn’t care it wouldn’t have affected me but it did take its toll.
“I had some days when it was tough. Like I said, everything happens for a reason. You can only control what you can control.
“That is being professional day in, day out and turning up with the right attitude. I guess that is the nature of the sport. You have to accept it for what it is.
“It is a business. No hard feelings. Just get on with life and accept it for what it is. I’m still there. So whatever happens, happens.
“I will leave that to my manager and everything happens for a reason. Wherever I end up will be for the right reason.
“At the end of the day we are professional athletes - we have to go out there and be professional.” (Brent Read)