Fa'amanu Brown reveals Jack Charles park session as Hull FC star embraces mentor role

Fa'amanu Brown came to Hull FC to fill a spine void in Tony Smith's squad, but he also knew of the other roles and responsibilities at his disposal. For the Kiwi star, it's not just about playing; it's about being a good role model and passing on his own experiences to the club's emerging talent.

After all, Brown has ridden that rugby league rollercoaster more than most. He's been kicked and punched numerous times throughout his career, but he's always gotten back up. From being told a foot injury would force him into retirement, to being on top of the world playing for New Zealand last autumn, the highs and lows are there to see.

Passing on his experience and his tips and tricks to handle adversity, Brown has taken one particular player under his wing this year: Jack Charles. And while the teenager's first senior start didn't go to plan as Hull were heavily beaten in Huddersfield last weekend, the duo made sure they had their own remedy afterwards, and it all centred on having a rugby ball in their hands.

"He's got an old head on his shoulders even though he's just turned 18," Brown said on Charles, who is one of the club's most promising young players. "There are massive raps about him. Last week was his first full 80-minute game, and my young mate got pushed into the deep end to play half.

"He walked away from that game, and he had tears. When you see a kid cry like that, it means a lot to them; rugby league is everything to them, so for me, it's about having those one-on-one conversations with him and helping him in any way I can.

"We both went out the next day on Sunday. We went to the field next to his house and just had a kick about with the footy. It's worth getting away from the limelight. I just want to nurture those young boys who are coming through.

"I left home at 16. I moved from New Zealand to Australia to pursue a career. I know what it's like to live away from home and be knocked down with injuries. I nearly had to retire, so for me, it's just about passing that experience and that resilience on to the boys, as I know it will make them better in the long run. It will make them successful rugby league players and whatever they want to be post-football."

That sort of mentorship is infectious for Brown. A calming influence, the 29-year-old defied the odds to return to the NRL after a spell with Championship outfit Featherstone Rovers. Two years later, he was playing for the Kiwis, beating Australia 30-0 in a tournament final. He knows what it's all about, and he's embracing his latest roles at Hull FC, despite a tough run of results so far.

"I knew it was never going to be an easy ride, coming to a new team," Brown continued. "A lot has been said, but it's just about actions now. Actions speak louder than words. We've got to put one foot in front of the other at the moment, but for me, I need to persevere. That's been my life, and I know we will get through this.

"It's on us. At the end of the day, we're the ones who have to go and do the job. The staff have shown us what we need to work on to improve. We also realise how good we've got it as athletes; this is our full-time job, and if we have that perspective about it, then we'll have the right attitude.

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"Nobody likes losing and the last two weeks have been tough with those results against Leigh and Huddersfield, but the only way is up now. We've had a bit of a reflection on ourselves as individuals, having a look in the mirror and seeing if our attitude is right and our intent is right.

"We know we need to be big on effort areas. It's our attitude and wanting to do it. We all know the systems we get told throughout the week. We need to go out and do it now."

Tasting the derby in round one, Brown is now gearing up for his second experience, with Hull meeting Rovers at Craven Park on Good Friday. There's a score to settle, and while externally Hull will be given next to no chance of a result, internally, the belief is there. It has to be.

"It was a crazy experience, and there are lessons learned from that game," Brown added. "With how our season has gone in terms of suspensions, we've got to try and keep a cool head and stay composed under pressure moments.

"We've not given ourselves a chance when we're playing with 12 men, so for us, it's all about our discipline, holding the ball, and going forward. The top teams complete at a high rate, and we need to get to our kick and complete our sets. Hopefully, we bring all that on Friday. If we have that attitude and intent from the get-go, then there are ways where we can win the game. That's what we'll be looking to do."

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