A shining light in the Sharks 2014 Nines campaign, and again showing signs of bigger things at the 2015 competition, Nu Brown's tournament was cut tragically short as he ruptured an ACL in a seemingily innocuous challenge in the side's Semi Final versus the Roosters.
As he and the rest of the Sharks squad returned to training at Shark Park on Wednesday, Brown showed no signs of caution - but plenty of confidence - saying he harbours no fears of a return to Eden Park next month.
"Hopefully the Coach picks me," Brown laughed.
"I've been lucky to have had some great staff behind me for the last 11 months, keeping me fit.
"Obviously it's been tough, but I'll be definitely ready to go for the Nines."
While Brown paid homage to the good works done by the Sharks Physical Performance Unit in restoring strength and confidence in the knee, the 21-year-old said the support of the playing squad in keeping him mentally sound was something he doesn't hold lightly.
"The boys were awesome, they're my second family, obviously because my family's not here," Brown said.
"They've been there since day one."
Brown has scored two tries inside six matches at the Nines across the 2014 & 2015 competitions, and remains hopefuly of maintaining his record at the competition's third instalment.
