Browny, its time to come home. Well, not literally, St George do have Steve Price secured for next season, but Nathan Brown does have unfinished business in the National Rugby League. A premature ending to his playing days tipped Brown into the coaching ranks, rising successfully from St George's lower grades, taking the First Team squad under his reigns between 2003 and 2008. At the age of 29, Brown became the youngest non playing First Grade coach, and this possibly proved to become the downfall of his tenure at the Dragons.
Fielding a squad of New South Wales' finest footballers, Nathan Brown and Co failed to deliver upon expectations, season after season. So close yet so far, and the choking badge would emerge each September, as the multi-million pound backline, consisting of Gasnier, Cooper and Barrett, and the game's leading forwards, Jason Ryles and Luke Bailey fell at the final hurdle. Something was not right within the ranks. How can a team, filled with superstars of the modern era, not clinch at least one title over Brown's 6 year reign at the top.
Discipline, Discipline and discipline. It is common knowledge the amount of freedom the senior players during Brown's reign. Brown was seen to be a "mate", rather then the boss, and the lack of discipline resulted in successive failures. What Brown needed was a fresh start. He definately had the coaching ability, but the lack of maturity and age gap between himself and his players ultimately proved his downfall, as St George announced Wayne Bennett would take the reigns from 2009.
So instead of taking up offers from several other clubs in Sydney, Brown showed the first sign of maturity, packing his bags and taking his family off to the English Super League, linking with the Huddersfield Giants. And what a move it has proven to be. The new manager took with him Brett Hodgson and Liam Fulton, to reunite with former Tigers team mates, Paul Whatuira and Jamahl Lolesi, establishing a nice little hub for his new recruits to acclimatise with. And what signings they proved to be, Brett Hodgson winning the Super Leagues Man of Steel Award whilst the Giants were names Club of the Year and Nathan Brown recieving the ultimate award of Coach of the season after steering the club to the Challenge League Final and third spot on the ladder. Brown's success continued, with the Giants leading this seasons Super League after 12 rounds.
The success he has brought to club, has effectively put Brown back on the radar of Australian clubs. This has Huddersfield worried, they want to keep their man, whilst Brown has signalled intentions of returning home with his wife and 4 kids. So where to next for the former Dragons Number 9.
Penrith have emerged to be the favourites to link up with Brown for next season. Current coach Matthew Elliot has been informed his services will not be required next season. Will Brown favour a trek out west, with his family wanting to return to Sydney's beach side surroundings? If he does head out west, he will have a massive task on his hands, but one that is not impossible. Penrith do have a number of past and current representative footballers, with the likes of Jennings, Lewis, Civoniceva, Puletua and Tahu amongs the talent. Can Brown harness this talent, learning his lessons from the past?
Or is there another club in contention. Another poor season at Cronulla could lead to an opening, and appears to be the preferred destination for Brown and his family. Whilst pressure is on Kevin Moore at Canterbury to deliver after a massive recruitment splurge by the boys from Belmore. Or could Penrith's closest rivals, Parramatta make a play, with new coach Stephen Kearney struggling to get the best out of Jarred Hayne and his fellow underperforming stars.
One thing is certain though, Nathan Brown will come back to the NRL as one of the games finest coaches, the question is, which club will reap the benefits
I think he deserves another shot, I think he would be best suited at Penrith given the playing roster.
ReplyDeletePenrith do have the right mix of experienced veterans, representative players and the dynamic flair of some of their outside backs, would be a good challenge
ReplyDeletethink there will be one or 2 coaches sacked or told they have no job next year. brown should definately come back, he has gained lots of experience in england
ReplyDeletefeel for elliot though, looks like he has the backing of big petro, but something must be wrong at the club. brown will do well there
ReplyDeleteBrown will do well at Penrith. He is good at finding good young players and helping them into first grade. The sharks dont have good young players. They dont even have good players. Penrith have a massive nursery and he can benefit from it.
ReplyDeleteElliot has had a noose around his neck for a while, something is not right at the club, thats for sure.
ReplyDeleteAgreed Pete, with one of the biggest, if not the largest junior base, Brown would have the pick of the crop at Penrith, mixing them in with the current talent already there might just do the trick
I hope he doesn't come to Penrith. I would rather Langy back. Not the coach I really want but hey its not my call. I think he still needs to prove himself in the NRL before coaching the team I love. I have my fingers crossed for Royce Simmons to return for the Mountain Men. Us Chocolate Soldiers are in desperate need for a good change but Brown isn't the answer. (just my opinion).
ReplyDeleteRoss Clinton
Fair Call their Ross, I just personally think Brown can take the reigns, and turn what is an average performing team, which is filled with a load of talent, into a solid, consisting outfit.
ReplyDeleteThere is lots of ability at the foot of the mountains, just needs the right man to take the reigns! Best of luck buddy