“It was probably one of the weirdest situations I’ve ever been a part of,” Brown told the Herald.
“I’d just re-signed at the club and a few months later they are telling me to look elsewhere. It was a bit of a weird situation. Everything happens for a reason and, if it wasn’t for that, I wouldn’t be at a club like the Roosters.
“I can only control what I can control, and that is turning up day in and day out for my teammates and having a great attitude.
“Their decisions are up to them; I can’t control that. That was the club I was employed at, at the time. Now that I’m looking back, I’m glad it happened and have an opportunity at the Roosters.”
In his first year at Parramatta in 2017, Brown won the Ken Thornett Medal as the club’s best player and became a cult hero among fans because of his hard-charging style. His stocks rose higher when he made his State of Origin debut in the 2020 series, which led to him re-signing on a two-year contract the following season.
Asked about his relationship with coach Brad Arthur, Brown remained diplomatic.
“I’ve got a good relationship with everyone but, at the end of the day, he’s the coach, he’s the boss,” Brown said. “It’s his decision, and it is what it is. It’s his call.
“There is something to prove, but not to Parramatta.
“That is in the past now; I can only concentrate on my future. I want to build trust with my teammates and around the club.”
Brown will bolster a Roosters pack decimated by injuries. The Italy international will provide depth and experience while Angus Crichton, Sitili Tupouniua and Matt Lodge are unavailable, although a hamstring injury will sideline him for several weeks, including for what would have been a spicy clash against the Eels in round five.
The 30-year-old is contracted to the tricolours until the end of this season, but believes his new team will bring out the best in him. And that, Brown hopes, will result in another Origin call-up.
“I’m very lucky and grateful a club like the Roosters gave me an opportunity,” Brown said. “I want to play my best footy that saw me in the Origin side.
“Once you get a phone call from Robbo and the Roosters, you just have to jump at the opportunity.
“I was really excited when my manager told me they were interested. I couldn’t wait to get that phone call from Robbo to see what he had to say.
“He explained himself really well, and now I have to get on the park and play some footy for him.
“It’s a quality club with quality players and a quality coach. I want to work hard so I can be back playing that Origin style of footy.”
As for a clash against his former team, Brown will have to wait until a round 25 encounter at CommBank Stadium.
“It will be a good one, good fun coming in against your ex-teammates,” he said. “I’m sure it will be a fun occasion."
Replies
I moved on from Brown halfway through last year.After he had that last injury he was never the same player he was when we first signed him.
I think a bit of it was the above but I think when some players get that payday they exhale a bit and never really regain that form when they were playing for a contract.The chip on there shoulders gone.
I bet he will be great under Trent Robinson
Roosters clearly weren't interested until they had injuries. He's been free to negotiate for a long time now and was never linked to the Roosters before this. He'll cover for injuries but that's about it. I remember Shawn Blore owning him in his first or 2nd game and he's done nothing since.
Ran out of the line frequently looking to put a big hit on that often went wrong or left a hole in defence. Failed at origin, onto his 5th club and getting injuries. Will never understand why we resigned him
This site is consistent. When Brown plays for Parra he's a has been, over the hill old man who's best days are well behind him. Now he's a Rooster he'll kill it, probably play Origin again and we are the worst club imaginable for letting him leave.
He'll play for Australia under Robinson and im talking starting 13 Muttman
Exhibit A. Lol
Haha, funny stuff Muttman. It's too early to tell, imo.
Is Browny over the hill, a warrior's battered body just about done, or was his drop in form at the Eels more mental (Arthur related)?
We'll find out (as will BA) soon enough.
Haha 😛😛🤩🤩😁😁
Let's sign brown for 580 for another 2 years and a few months later tell him his not wanted 🤦♂️ while letting the likes of Mahoney and papli go
That is sus as fuck...
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
of 5 Next