He made an impression earlier in the season as a member of the Sharks Auckland Nines squad and now Fa’amanu Brown has a chance to display his talents on the big stage once again after being chosen to make his NRL debut in the match against the Dragons on Saturday night.
After strong showings in the NYC Brown gets his opportunity in the top grade, coincidently against a team which features his boyhood idol Benji Marshall.
However while his debut match is sure to be an exciting occasion, making the week even more significant was the fact that today Brown signed a new deal with the Cronulla club, one that will see him remain at the Sharks through until the end of the 2017 season.
Already committed to the Sharks for 2015, the new contract extends to the 2016 and 2017 seasons, with Brown on Saturday getting his first chance to work towards cementing a regular spot in the Sharks NRL team.
From the Hornby Panthers in Christchurch and of Samoan heritage, Brown arrived at the Sharks in 2012 in the Sharks SG Ball squad, was quickly elevated into the NYC team later that year and has since showed off his skills at an under 20's level in a variety of positions.
Still just 19 years of age, Brown, primarily a half or five eighth but just as comfortbale in the centres or at hooker, stands 188cm tall and weighs in at a around 90kgs.
He doesn't celebrate his 20th birthday until December 24, Christmas Eve.
For his NRL debut match three of his four brothers are making the trip across the Tasman from their home in Christchurch to be a part of the occasion.
Just two days out from the game and on the day he officially put pen to paper on his new contract, Brown spoke to Sharks TV about the anticipation he had for his first game in the top grade, revealing his debut match will be against the player who was his idol and an inspiration during his formative years.
Have a look and learn a few things about a player the Sharks hope to see a whole lot more of both this year and in seasons to come, with an interview with young gun Fa’amanu Brown now playing on Sharks TV.
