Sydney Roosters skipper James Tedesco has revealed how his close friendship with Nathan Brown played a role in helping lure the Parramatta Eels forward to the Tricolours this season.
Brown still had one more year to run on his contract at the Eels but was granted an early release on Tuesday to pursue an opportunity with the Roosters.
Tedesco said Brown, who he got to know during their time together at Wests Tigers and who had also been a guest at his wedding in January, was excited by the opportunity.
“I had a lot of conversations with him, he messaged me and I think (his) management approached the Roosters,” Tedesco said.
“I’m close with ‘Browny’, he came to my wedding, and he was pretty excited when he messaged me because he thought there could be a chance to come here. He’s been messaging me non-stop to be honest, I think he’s pretty excited to get here.
“He adds a lot of experience, thickens up our middles and he’s had a pretty rough time the last year or so. I think he’s keen for a fresh start and we’d love to have him here.
“Jared (Waerea-Hargreaves) messaged me last night and is keen for him to come in as well so ‘Browny’ will be happy with that.”
Brown, who made his debut for the NSW Blues in 2020, has been with the Eels since 2017 but managed only 14 games for the club last year. He will be a welcome addition to the Roosters forward stocks, with back-rowers Angus Crichton (personal) and Sitili Tupouniua (knee), prop Matt Lodge (facial fracture) and utility Connor Watson (knee) all unavailable.
