Those of you who have read my previous articles will know that I’ve always had a soft spot for Nathan Brown.
When discussing my beloved Dragons and their current woes, particularly the ineptitude of current head coach Paul McGregor, I’ve always slipped Nathan’s name in as a possible alternative.
I first became a fan of Nathan in 1992 when he almost stole the Presidents Cup grand final away from Wests when he came on late as an 18-year-old. Long, flowing blond hair, he looked more like a surfer than a rugby league player.
Interestingly, the best player for Western Suburbs that day was Stephen Kearney. Seams the rugby league gods do have a sense of humour.
Nathan Brown (Tony Feder/Getty Images)
AFter parting company with Newcastle in 2019 Brown picked up a consulting role with the Warriors, so he was well placed to see what state the club was in before formally applying for the job. There were reports that the job was offered to current interim coach Tod Payton, but apparently Tod prefers the warmer weather of Townsville and is after the Cowboys role. I’m not sure if this report was ever verified by the Warriors, but it’s irrelevant now.
Brown has a three-year deal to turn the Warriors back into a competitive threat. He’s on the record saying he didn’t want his next coaching role to be another rebuild. So does this mean he believes the Warriors already have the pieces in place, or will this be yet another rebuild for him?
Time will tell.
But to my frustration Brown is quoted in today’s media that his first recruitment target is Jack de Belin should he be available for the 2021 season.
De Belin’s legal situation is a little complicated, but Judge Andrew Haesler will be handing down his ruling on the pre-trial hearing on 28 August. Should this ruling be in Jack’s favour, he’ll be free to play the final three games of 2020. Should the decision go against him, the matter will go to trial in November.
In a meeting with club officials a couple of weeks ago De Belin said he would consider any offer from the Dragons.
Now, shouldn’t there be some loyalty and gratitude from De Belin? The club has paid his $595,000 salary for two years. They have never sought to replace him by claiming salary can dispensation; the club has kept his spot open should he become available.
De Belin has been training with the team for the past two years. What more support could the Dragons have offered?
If Jack were to turn around and leave the club, he would owe so much to it would be the worst betrayal since Gorden Tallis sat out the 1996 season and cost the Saints a premiership.
Well, good luck Nathan in New Zealand. I hope it goes well, but please keep your hands off Jack de Belin!
Andrew
Roar Pro
We only had one really bad year under Brown in 2007 when we finished 13th that was the year both Barrett & Bailey left, Gasnier tore his pec in the charity shield & Dean Young shredded his knee. Conversely lower table finishes are normal under McGregor. We’re currently 12th 6 points out of the eight & with an improving Titans on our heels a 13th place finish this year looks likely after a 15th place finish in 2019. I’ll take the Brown years anytime over the embarrassment we’ve become under McGregor.
Andrew
Roar Pro
I know he missed heaps but he’s only played one Canterbury Cup game in March 2 the 2 games off the bench. He’ll improve
Jc
Guest
Ever since he slapped Trent Barrett I've been a huge wrap on Brown.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
You're actually suggesting someone swipe Kerr or captain Mac?? ... you..you...
Mat
Guest
Wayne Bennett always said that the place was not a basket case when he arrived, and that was because of Nathan Brown. I'm sure if Bennett came back now he wouldn't be giving the same feedback. I remember watching the Round 2, 2015 game against the Tigers... being absolutely filthy at how crap we were going that night and saying to a mate then that I thought we'd made a big mistake signing McGregor and that we should bring Brown back ASAP (at the time he was a free agent having just returned to Australia after winning the Super League with St Helens). Wow - it's hard to believe that McGregor is still here ! Had Browny made a comeback to the Dragons at any point during the last seven years, there is no way we'd be going as bad as what we are now. I still think the Knights made a mistake letting him go and they may well end up regretting that decision down the line (they were a complete mess once Tinkler abandoned ship - it was always going to be a minimum 5 year project to get them back anywhere near the 8). He is better for his initial stint with us, and the success he had in the UK. Notable players who came through the Dragons junior systems under Browns' watch (some had long careers, some ended up winning multiple premierships, most have played rep footy in some capacity, some had lots of potential but injuries got the better of them) - Dean Young, Ashton Sims, Ben Creagh, Brett Morris, Josh Morris, Beau Scott, Jason Nightingale, Matthew Head, Matt Prior, Dan Hunt, Justin Poore. There are probably some more you could put on here. Not to mention that a lot of other players who came through the system prior to Brown went on to higher honors under his watch. How many juniors have come through the system in the last seven years who've gone on to become consistent rep players, or even players that stand out and win the clutch games for us at club level? There is a reason why the Warriors have bought Brown onboard. He's a good coach, and like yourself Andrew, I hope he gets all the success he deserves.
Paul
Roar Guru
I know his talent won't have disappeared since he was forced into this long layoff,but whether he's got his head together is the big issue, I'd reckon. That's assuming of course he's not gaoled. You're right though,it's going to be an interesting few months.
jamesb
Roar Guru
I hate to say it, but my stand out memory of Brown as NRL coach is slapping Barrett on the sideline.
jamesb
Roar Guru
Geez, only 53% with that Dragons team of 03-08. And in 2010, under Bennett, they won it. Brown may well be a better coach now, but Dragons fans will never forget that period of missed opportunity.
max power
Guest
did you see how many tackles he misses?
max power
Guest
what team did he turn around? newcastle could only get better with a huge amount a salary cap space
Andrew
Roar Pro
Brown gets a bad wrap for never winning a Comp either as a player or coach. He played in 3 grand finals & coached to two grand final qualifiers. But people forget he was the youngest first grade coach in history at 33 & had to learn on the job. People still post about the face slap of Barrett FFS that was 17 years ago. Newcastle was a dumpster fire so I’m giving him a pass for his time there. In total he’s coached over 400 games plus played 172. Perhaps this is his time to shine, winning a Comp at The Warriors might be the only way to prove his critics wrong.
Andrew
Roar Pro
The challenge with JdB is that he’s an outstanding 13 who plays long minutes. You’d have to start him he’s never been a bench player. So if that’s the case what do you do with McInnes? Back to 9 & Hunt back to 7? Hunt & Sailor could be a good combo. Interesting times ahead.
Andrew
Roar Pro
Well the hope is if the case gets thrown out of court on the 28th August then he’s got no case to answer. But on the other hand if he does have a case to answer & goes to a criminal trial in November that’ll have entirely different smell to it.
Andrew
Roar Pro
Yes I agree I think Sailor showed enough last week to keep his spot.
Jacko
Guest
Club Years Team Gms W D L W% 2003–08 St. George Illawarra 151 80 0 71 53 2009–12 Huddersfield Giants 131 76 1 54 58 2013–14 St Helens 62 39 1 22 63 2016–19 Newcastle Knights 94 24 1 69 26 2021– NZ Warriors 0 0 0 0 Total 438 219 3 216 50 50% win rate overall as a head coach and 52% win rate in last 10 years inc 26% at Newcastle which was a basketcase when Bennet left.
Jackaroo
Roar Rookie
Brown understandably had some struggling first few years coaching the Knights. But even after assembling a strong list they still underperformed. One game in particular at Campbelltown late last year against the Tigers showed a good list performing without any application and was embarassing. Then there were the all-star Dragons lists he had in 2004-06 that played some of its worst football at the business end of the season. That none of those Dragons teams made a grand final was a golden opportunity gone begging. I still remember Brown slapping Trent Barrett in the face on the sidelines at WIN Stadium in full view of the crowd and television cameras. I bet Trent and many of the players didn’t forget either. I’m sure Brown is a nice guy and I find his commentary very insightful. However Brown, like a few other coaches, get much more lenient media coverage than others. I think his allies in the media contribute to his favourable profile giving him an advantage over other possibilities who could have got the job.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Appointment of Brown is a slap in the face for better options such as Geoff Toovey. My hazy memory recalls Brown administering a slap in the face to Trent Barrett during a half time speech. Ironically the coaching merry go round sees them both in NRL coaching roles next year.
Cyril Snodgrass III
Guest
Who the hell did the due diligence on Nathan Brown?... he has coached 245 NRL games,with a win ratio of 42%.........that's a 58% losing rate!!!!! in the end ,its all in the numbers As for Warriors in 2021......no chance
Paul
Roar Guru
You've raised a couple of interesting points Andrew. Brown is almost always remembered for his coaching at the Knights but his efforts in England with Hudderfield and St Helens are rarely mentioned. This guy can coach but like most/all coaches, needs some decent cattle around him. The Warriors have some good talent, so he's not starting from the same low base as he was at Newcastle. I woudn't expect miracles in his first year, but if he can get a few more quality players, they could surprise many with where they finish in 2022. As for JdeB, much depends on so many factors with him, the most obvious one being, who is going to coach the Dragons. If it isn't Mary, does Jack have a place in the new coach's plans? If not, the Warriors could be a very good fit. If he's still needed at the Red V, but decides to chase the dollar, you're right, that would smell rather badly.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Are the Warriors short in the backrow starter ? Tohu plays the de Belin role, young gun Katoa and Jazz Tevaga..backups Bunty, Papalii and Burr all play well. If plundering the Dragons is the plan offer the $600 k to that giant Josh Kerr or throw a zillion at McInnes. Wouldn’t touch JdB.