Released Hull FC star Nu Brown signs for new side

Just days after his release from Hull FC Nu Brown has confirmed his future by signing for St George Illawarra Dragons in the NRL.

Following Tony Smith’s sacking on Thursday (11th), it was confirmed by the club on Friday (12th) that both Nu Brown and Tex Hoy had been released with immediate effect.

That cut short both men’s stay in England with the pair contracted until the end of the season and FC chairman Adam Pearson clarified that the two releases were unrelated to Smith’s sacking.

Speaking on BBC Humberside, he said: “They’re different circumstances. I think Tex has been given plenty of chances and I don’t think he’s sort of fulfilled those chances to Tony.

“The Nu one has come just this week on mainly compassionate grounds his wife’s father is seriously ill. She’s gone back home, she went last week and after much persuasion from her I think he’s decided to join her and that is a big loss.”

Brown since confirmed this with a message to the fans explaining that he wouldn’t be playing for a new Super League club and refused to simply stay around to “collect a paycheck”.

It’s now been confirmed that Brown won’t be playing for another Super League club as NRL side St George Illawarra Dragons have moved fastest and confirmed that they have signed the New Zealand international.

Nu Brown snapped up by NRL side

It didn’t take long for an NRL side to move for Nu Brown, highlighting his class, and it’s the Dragojs who have signed him with the club confirming that he has joined until the end of the 2024 season.

They confirmed the news via a statement on their website, which read: “The Dragons are pleased to announce the signing of playmaker Fa’amanu Brown for the rest of the 2024 season.

“The 29-year-old joins the club immediately after recently returning from the UK and will add valuable depth to the club’s spine.”

Head coach Shane Flanagan added: “It’s great to be able to pick up a player of Nu’s calibre at this stage of the season.

“I worked with Nu for several years at the Sharks and was always impressed by his work ethic and versatility.

“He can play hooker, in the halves or in the forwards if required and will add plenty of value and experience to our squad for at least the rest of this season.”

Interestingly, the statement didn’t include a message from Brown himself as is generally done on signing announcements but the news does bring an end to the Nu Brown saga, his Super League stay officially done and dusted.