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Courtesy of the official Wests Tigers website:
Nathan Brown on the path to return stronger
Brock Corfe
Friday 13 December 2013 9:30 PM
Nathan Brown on the path to return stronger
It’s fair to say that 2013 has been a rollercoaster year for promising Wests Tigers prop forward Nathan Brown.
The 20-year-old’s season was highlighted by his much-anticipated NRL debut alongside Luke Brooks in the Round 24 victory over St George Illawarra.
However just weeks later, after playing a key role in the Holden Cup side’s run to the finals, Brown tore his pectoral muscle in the elimination final victory over Brisbane.
“It was pretty devastating, I went for a tackle, extended my arm and just tore my pec,” Brown said.
“It was shattering and very disappointing; we won the game but I really wanted to be there for the semi-final.”
With Brown missing, along with Andy Fiagatusa and Mitchell Moses to injury, the Wests Tigers’ NYC side crashed out of premiership contention the following week with a 36-16 loss to Canberra.
Nearly three months down the track, Brown is progressing well in his return from injury, completing non-contact training as he prepares for the new season.
“Surgery went really well and I’ve been in rehab for the start of pre-season,” Brown said.
“It will take some time but I can’t wait to get back into full training.
“I love the contact stuff, so hopefully I can get back into that sometime in January.”
Looking back on his NRL debut match, the Five Dock junior proudly remembers the lead-up to the game as Wests Tigers’ Head Coach Mick Potter gave him the good news at training.
“I finished up weights and was just hanging out for a bit when Mick came up to me,” Brown said.
“I remember him saying that I was going to play this week and I couldn’t believe it.”
“It was a day I will never forget and a dream come true.”
Then followed game day, with the fixture taking place at the hallowed Sydney Cricket Ground as part of the 50th anniversary of the 1963 Grand Final celebrations.
“It was unreal, I just remember singing the national anthem and my legs were shaking,” Brown said.
“TC (Tony Carson, NRL Football Manager) gave me tickets for my family to come along and having them all there made it even more special.”
http://staticnrl.sportalhosting.com/site/_content/image/00057733-image.jpg
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ABOVE: Nathan Brown in the lead up to his NRL debut
With loads of raw talent, Brown has taken valuable guidance from experienced props Keith Galloway and Aaron Woods as he moves into the senior ranks.
“They have both been really good, they are great blokes and have been helping me improve my game,” Brown said.
“It’s good to learn from them because they have had good careers so far and have done a lot.”
A former Australian and New South Wales front rower, Galloway has been working closely with Brown and is excited to see him back on the field next year.
“He has got a lot of potential and is very aggressive on the field,” Galloway said.
“Off the field he is pretty funny and enjoys a laugh but he’s a tough kid.
“I’m excited to see him get a bit more first grade next year.
“I think if he works hard coming back from that pec injury, he is in with a massive shot of playing NRL.”
With a strong prop rotation in current squad that includes Ava Seumanufagai, Jack Buchanan and Martin Taupau, Brown has set a clear ambition for the upcoming season.
“The goal is to be injury free and play as many first grade games as I can,” Brown said.
“If I play my best in the trials and NSW Cup, you never know what could happen.
“I’ve got to create my own luck, there’s good depth in the squad so I’ve got to earn my spot.”
Nathan Brown on the path to return stronger
Brock Corfe
Friday 13 December 2013 9:30 PM
Nathan Brown on the path to return stronger
It’s fair to say that 2013 has been a rollercoaster year for promising Wests Tigers prop forward Nathan Brown.
The 20-year-old’s season was highlighted by his much-anticipated NRL debut alongside Luke Brooks in the Round 24 victory over St George Illawarra.
However just weeks later, after playing a key role in the Holden Cup side’s run to the finals, Brown tore his pectoral muscle in the elimination final victory over Brisbane.
“It was pretty devastating, I went for a tackle, extended my arm and just tore my pec,” Brown said.
“It was shattering and very disappointing; we won the game but I really wanted to be there for the semi-final.”
With Brown missing, along with Andy Fiagatusa and Mitchell Moses to injury, the Wests Tigers’ NYC side crashed out of premiership contention the following week with a 36-16 loss to Canberra.
Nearly three months down the track, Brown is progressing well in his return from injury, completing non-contact training as he prepares for the new season.
“Surgery went really well and I’ve been in rehab for the start of pre-season,” Brown said.
“It will take some time but I can’t wait to get back into full training.
“I love the contact stuff, so hopefully I can get back into that sometime in January.”
Looking back on his NRL debut match, the Five Dock junior proudly remembers the lead-up to the game as Wests Tigers’ Head Coach Mick Potter gave him the good news at training.
“I finished up weights and was just hanging out for a bit when Mick came up to me,” Brown said.
“I remember him saying that I was going to play this week and I couldn’t believe it.”
“It was a day I will never forget and a dream come true.”
Then followed game day, with the fixture taking place at the hallowed Sydney Cricket Ground as part of the 50th anniversary of the 1963 Grand Final celebrations.
“It was unreal, I just remember singing the national anthem and my legs were shaking,” Brown said.
“TC (Tony Carson, NRL Football Manager) gave me tickets for my family to come along and having them all there made it even more special.”
http://staticnrl.sportalhosting.com/site/_content/image/00057733-image.jpg
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ABOVE: Nathan Brown in the lead up to his NRL debut
With loads of raw talent, Brown has taken valuable guidance from experienced props Keith Galloway and Aaron Woods as he moves into the senior ranks.
“They have both been really good, they are great blokes and have been helping me improve my game,” Brown said.
“It’s good to learn from them because they have had good careers so far and have done a lot.”
A former Australian and New South Wales front rower, Galloway has been working closely with Brown and is excited to see him back on the field next year.
“He has got a lot of potential and is very aggressive on the field,” Galloway said.
“Off the field he is pretty funny and enjoys a laugh but he’s a tough kid.
“I’m excited to see him get a bit more first grade next year.
“I think if he works hard coming back from that pec injury, he is in with a massive shot of playing NRL.”
With a strong prop rotation in current squad that includes Ava Seumanufagai, Jack Buchanan and Martin Taupau, Brown has set a clear ambition for the upcoming season.
“The goal is to be injury free and play as many first grade games as I can,” Brown said.
“If I play my best in the trials and NSW Cup, you never know what could happen.
“I’ve got to create my own luck, there’s good depth in the squad so I’ve got to earn my spot.”
