“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
Brown sounds very diplomatic with a good attitude.
"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.”
It would be amazing and an embarrassment for BA if Brown did make the SOO side. I would love him to do it ---- Possibly a huge motivation for him.
Tad I doubt BA would care he thinks he knows best 🙄
Just goes to show how inept the flops who run the club are , they sign a player then tell him he is free to go a few months later m. Least Brown is at a professional club .
They weren't even good enough to beat the mighty Phins in their 1st ever game!!! Ahh Frankie, what a day it was.
It was a outstanding performance and well deserved , but the eels are a very poorly run club in every way so any eels player who joins another club bar the tigers is a massive upgrade .
They don't do everything right, for sure, but a club that makes consecutive finals series and then a GF, has no leaks from the board like previously and makes a decent profit is clearly not a very poorly run club.
Brissy question is edrik Lee at the dolphins?
Yes, currently out injured.
👍 he'd be handy at parra
LOL....every dolph has his day.
Goodonya Brissy!
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