South Sydney forward Nathan Brown has opened up on his role in an infamous brawl while playing for the Wests Tigers and how it helped him become a more mature player and person.
Brown, then-teammate Kyle Lovett as well as Raiders Mitchell Barnett and Tevita Pangai Jr were handed their marching orders by referee Adam Gee for their role in an unsavoury Holden Cup match in 2013.
The now 23-year-old Brown said he was embarrassed in the immediate aftermath, with it taking three teammates and a trainer to calm him down on the field.
The Five Dock junior said the lessons learnt since have helped contribute to his budding NRL career with Brown one of South Sydney's unexpected hits in 2016.
"I've learnt a lot from that [brawl] to be honest. No doubt I was young and immature. I don't even remember too much from it other than things getting out of hand. I just remember getting punched and it's all pretty much a blur," Brown told NRL.com.
"It happened that quickly. I was very disappointed in myself after the game but it has definitely helped me grow up as a player. It was embarrassing and I apologised to my teammates straight away as soon as they came into the sheds.
"I apologised to the coach and the club as well because I put the Wests Tigers in disrepute. It made me mature quickly, definitely. I haven't been in trouble since that incident."
Brown credited South Sydney coach Michael Maguire for helping him harness his aggression since joining the club just prior to the 2015 season commencing.
"'Madge' has helped me a lot in controlling my aggression. I came to the Rabbitohs a bit raw and wasn't using my aggression too well," Brown said.
"It was affecting my game so Madge, since I've been here, has helped me become really disciplined. He hasn't taken my aggression away but he's helped me control it in smarter ways on the field."
"It was pretty tough to leave the Tigers initially last year, I still have very good mates there but in saying that the best thing I've ever done was coming here," Brown added.
"My footy has gone through the roof since I've come to the Rabbitohs."
After spending the past three weeks at lock Brown is looking to test himself against the very best this weekend from the bench against reigning premiers North Queensland.
"They're one of the best forward packs in the game. We'll be on this week and we can't wait for the challenge," Brown said.
"I'm happy with the way I have started the season. I'm enjoying my footy here at South Sydney. To come to such a great club like the Rabbitohs, I'm very privileged."
