‘The fans and the crowd love it’: Return specialist Nathan Brown weighs in on kick-off debate, responds to calls for him to earn Origin recall

The future of the kick-off in the NRL is under the spotlight again after Dragons centre Mosese Suli was knocked out after 10 seconds in the Anzac Day clash, prompting rival coaches Shane Flanagan and Trent Robinson to concede changes must be considered to protect players from nasty collisions.

It’s an issue that has divided the game with plenty of current and former players urging the NRL to not make any rash changes to a play that gets fans on their seats hoping to see a big collision.

There have been several scary head knocks already this year, but there have also been some memorable carries by middle forwards, with Nathan Brown delivering a series of highlight plays for Manly this year.

“I’m not too sure where they’re trying to go with that because I don’t know what they’ll do if they get rid of it,” he said.

“It’s a tough one because you don’t want to see anyone getting concussed or hurt and miss a game, but the fans and the crowd love it, so it’s going to be a tough one for the NRL.

“My role is to make an impact off the bench, so one of those things is to do actions to inspire the team, and that includes bringing it back (from a kick-off).”

Brown’s aggression off the bench this year hasn’t gone unnoticed, with Sea Eagles legend Mark Carroll calling for him to make a return to the Blues side off the bench for game one of the State of Origin series.

Brown played two games for NSW in 2020 and said it meant a lot to hear such high praise from a guy like Carroll, who has called him the “Energizer Bunny” when pumping him up in the media.

“I used to watch Manly games with my old man because he’s a Manly fan, so watching ‘Spudd’ come off the back fence was inspiring,” Brown said.

“It’s awesome to see an old-school club legend like him before games, and he’s a tough dude.

“All the Origin stuff is awesome to be spoken about, but I’m just worried about playing every week for Manly.

“Spudd is an absolute legend who was one of the best front-rowers back in the day, so for him to say that about me is an absolute privilege and honour.

“I didn’t (think I’d be in the Origin conversation 12 months ago) but I knew if I had a fresh start and a good crack then anything could happen.

“I knew I had it in me because I’m only 31 now so I’ve got a few years left.”

Brown’s career was at a crossroads after he fell out of favour at Parramatta, while his stint at the Roosters last year wasn’t as successful as he would have hoped.

But he’s roared back to form for Manly this season, and he credits coach Anthony Seibold for turning him into one of the game’s best impact forwards.

“The clarity and communication between me and him has been excellent,” he said.

“He’s been upfront and honest which you don’t get much in the game these days. I’ve really enjoyed it so far, and it’s been very beneficial for me.”