‘I did the impossible’: Brown hoping to inspire others after miracle return

Fa’amanu Brown defied the odds to make his return to the NRL after three years sidelined with a serious foot injury.

Brown during his time playing in England. Picture: George Wood/Getty Images

Wests Tigers comeback kid Fa’amanu Brown is hoping his story of perseverance in the face of staggering odds will inspire other players battling against adversities of their own.

Brown suffered a serious foot injury in 2019 which left his career in free fall and his chances of ever running again in doubt.

By his own estimation, five different surgeons told him he would never play first grade rugby league again.

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But after a stint playing second division rugby league with Featherstone in England, Brown returned to Australia to link up with the North Sydney Bears, where he began playing restricted minutes this season.

As the Wests Tigers battled through an injury crisis, Michael Maguire sent out an SOS to Brown, who lined up against the Bulldogs on Friday night for his first NRL game in three years.

The 27-year-old started on the bench but had significant impact once he was unleashed, scoring two tries to help seal the Tigers’ first win this month.

Nu Brown in action on Friday night. Picture: NRL Twitter

“There’s sort of no words to express or explain how my journey was for me, making it now, and knowing all the pain that I went through, that it was definitely all worth it,” Brown said.

“I’m just trying to shed light that young kids or even experienced players can make it.”

Thursday’s performance capped off a remarkable comeback for Brown, who admitted self-doubt crept in during his time out of the NRL.

“There were definitely a lot of doubts but I was lucky enough to have people around me who kept me grounded,” he said.

“The times that I was told to quit, I knew in myself that I was worth more.

“I believed in myself, that I could be here, and I feel like I put my words into action.

“I did the impossible but everyone has a story.”

The Tigers defeated the Bulldogs 36-22 in Brown’s first game back. Picture: Jason McCawley / Getty Images

Brown said he’d now set his sights on becoming a regular first grader.

“As soon as last weekend happened and it was all good and all, for me now it’s onto the next goal and that’s to play consistently and show Madge (Michael Maguire) that I’m here to stay,” he said.

For their next assignment, the Tigers face the South Sydney Rabbitohs this Saturday.

Jake Simpkin, David Nofoaluma and Asu Kepaoa are all chances to return for the game, so only time will tell whether Brown holds his spot on the bench.