SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 17: Nathan Brown of the Rabbitohs is tackled short of the try line during the round 15 NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Parramatta Eels at ANZ Stadium on June 17, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Nathan Brown may have only played 29 NRL games, but he’s already got a reputation in rugby league.

Following a Round 13 match against the Gold Coast Titans, Brown stomped the groin of Titan’s player Agnatius Paasi, resulting in the Daily Telegraph labelling him ‘one of rugby league’s dirtiest players, biggest thug and a throwback to the old days’. Despite the negative press, Brown proved to be one of South Sydney’s strongest forwards in 2016 and is set to lead from the front for Parramatta next season.

A Wests Tigers junior, Brown debuted in late 2013 for the Tigers, though his maiden first-grade match would be his only in 2013, and would fail to feature in the NRL in the 2014 season. Released to South Sydney in the pre-season, Brown would play 28 games for the club over two seasons, with 2016 especially a breakout year for the fiery prop. The season saw Brown feature in 20 of South Sydney’s matches, scoring his first try as well making his representative debut for City early in the season.

A strong offer saw Brown defect to Parramatta – where he’ll be the cornerstone to the Eel’s new look pack. The departure of big men Junior Paulo and Danny Wicks will be off put by the recruitment of Brown, along with underrated forwards Suaia Matagi and Siosaia Vave on two-year contracts. Frank Pritchard also returns from a season in the Super League to join brother Kaysa at the club.

The new signings will join a squad bristling with power in the forward pack, the club already containing Tim Mannah, Manu Ma’u, Beau Scott, Kenny Edwards and Tepai Moeroa. While the players named are all great quality, none possess the pure aggression and energy that Brown brings to the table

Following the pre-season trials, Brown will begin his new career in the blue and gold in Round One against the Manly Warringah Sea-Eagles, starting the season at 4pm Sunday, March 5th at Brookvale Oval.

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