“It’s in my DNA to not give up” – Featherstone recruit Nu Brown grateful to play again

Featherstone’s new recruit Nu Brown says he is grateful to be back playing after being told by surgeons that he would never play again.

The 26-year-old half-back or hooker has joined Rovers for the 2021 campaign after making 37 NRL appearances for Cronulla Sharks and Canterbury Bulldogs.

Brown was told by surgeons that he would never play again due to a foot injury – but he said it was “in his DNA to never give up” and over the moon to be back in action with Championship side Featherstone.

Brown said: “I’m just grateful to be back playing. I’ve had a lot of setbacks in my career.

“I got to a point where I had to see six surgeons because none of them wanted to touch my foot. They wanted me to get a bone fusion which meant I couldn’t run again.

“I remember coming home after being given the news and just crying the whole way. I thought all the hard work gone to waste and, at 25, I asked myself ‘what do I now?’

“Luckily my body has recovered and I’ve obviously proved the surgeons wrong.

“I feel I’ve come a long way but I don’t want to dwell on where I am at right now. For me it’s about resurrection I guess, because I know the potential I have to be a quality player. I want to make sure I let my actions do the talking now.”

The Samoa international says he has been motivated by his early experiences in life, having left home at 16 to chase his rugby league dream.

Brown said: “I don’t come from much. It’s in my DNA to not give up and to prove a point to make it out of poverty.

“It’s been in my DNA since I was a kid and that’s probably where my strength comes from.”

Brown, who has won five caps for Samoa, says he is grateful for the chance Featherstone have given him to get his career back on track.

He said: “I guess when coming from a serious injury, a lot of clubs don’t want to take the risk on you.

“For Fev to give me a second chance, a lifeline, I have to give back to them. If we do get promoted, that’s where I want to be.

“This is home for me now. I’d definitely love to play in the Super League with Fev.”

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