Up comes the ton, down goes Souths wall for enforcer Brown

He's run as hard as anyone into a defensive line on 99 occasions and like the rest of his teammates, Nathan Brown is ready to go up another gear in a bid to break an unwanted semi-final curse.

Brown will finally notch his 100th NRL appearance in Saturday night's sudden-death clash against former club South Sydney after a seven-year career that has spanned across three clubs.

A couple of major injuries and suspensions along the way have delayed the milestone for the Eels firebrand but the 27-year-old will happily trade a win to make the journey well worth it.

An Eels victory will see Brown reach the first preliminary final of his career after two failed attempts over the past four seasons.

A loss and they'll be left searching for answers after yet another week two finals exit.

"Against any team in the finals you've got to take your opportunity, that's it all it comes down to, little key moments that turn into big ones," Brown told NRL.com.

"We've got to go out with all guns blazing, empty the tank and leave no stone unturned.

"I thought we did that last week in parts, but need to leave it all out there this time, it's got to be a do-or-die mentality.

"With those milestones, you look back at the end of your career. I've had a couple of injuries, it's taken its time but I'm here now so it's good, but will be better with a win."

Brown would, quite literally, run through a brick wall for the chance to get within reach of the big dance against Penrith in a fortnight.

The red and green wall awaiting him this weekend includes Tom Burgess, Junior Tatola and Cameron Murray, all of whom are driving the underrated Rabbitohs forward pack towards their own premiership hopes.

"I just like to play with that mentality of no fear, and how fast I come onto the ball just depends how ready I am to wind up," Brown said.

"But most of the time I'm not thinking I just get into a zone. I look back in video reviews sometimes and think I should've winded up a bit more. I just try to put body on the line for the team and play whatever I feel.

"That's just me I guess and in this game it all comes down to being yourself."

Brown needed little reminding of the embarrassment the Eels were handed by the Rabbitohs in August – a 38-0 drubbing on home turf.