THE Giants Supporters Association welcomed the club’s head coach Nathan Brown to an open to question evening.
Here is the report of how Nathan answered the fans’ queries.
“When you return to Australia, will your children want a pen pal?”
I’m sure they will. Are you volunteering?
“How did you start playing rugby?”
At about 4½ years old, back in my home town of Yamba, New South Wales, we used to throw a ball about non-stop.
As I grew older, it used to be surfing and fishing before school then rugby after school.
At 17 I joined St George. Then when I was 27, in 2001, I had my neck injury which forced me to retire, so I took up coaching, still at St George. In 2009 I came to the Giants and the rest is history.
After Saint Helens, who knows? We might go to France.
“But we thought you were going back to Australia?”
We were, but Saint Helens came along.
Any other club and I wouldn’t have entertained them, but with the Saints, I left it up to the wife. She said okay, so that was the end of it!
As much as we like Holmfirth, the daily travelling along the M62 will probably mean that we shall move nearer to Saint Helens.
“What was the situation with Shaun Lunt and Scott Moore?”
Lunty wanted more game time, which was understandable. We said that he could go on loan if another club came for him.
We were desperately looking around for a replacement when Scotty left Widnes. We snapped him up.
“What are you doing about the problems on the right hand side of the defence?”
We’re working on it.
“Who was the biggest influence on your rugby career?”
My Dad. He was a very good player.
As far as coaching goes, probably Brian Smith, my first ever coach.
“Is the gap between NRL and Super League players narrowing or getting wider?”
You’ve got to remember that over in Australia there is far more sunshine and warmer weather. This means that kids start playing out at a younger age and for longer.
Their parents feel better inclined to take them to training and matches when the weather’s good rather than finding excuses to not go because it’s raining and snowing over here in the UK!
There’s also more money, especially from TV, over in Australia which attracts players instead of wanting to be soccer stars.
“What’s your philosophy in coaching?”
To be honest and fair. You’ve got to treat people as adults. Encourage players to improve on what they’re good at, not tell them off for their bad points.
“Have you seen many kangaroos?”
Yeah, lots.
“What’s your opinion on the salary cap?”
It’s great for the game.
“Do you think it’s fair that some clubs appear to ignore it?”
No comment! Success in soccer is bought.
This isn’t the case in Rugby – there isn’t enough money for that.
Instead success comes through having an excellent set of youngsters coming through.
Just see how constantly successful the Giants will be in four or five years’ time.
There’s an outstanding bunch of kids there now.
“Which players will you be taking to Saints?”
None. It wouldn’t be fair on Paul or the club.
“What memories of Huddersfield will you take with you?”
Mainly how we now have a Yorkshire son! We arrived with three kids and will go home with four!
“What do you think of the away kit?”
No comment!!
“What about this bad spell we’re going through. What’s going to happen?”
We’ll be OK as the season progresses, just wait and see.
Forthcoming events HGSA events are:
The Giant Olympics, a Race Night with a difference – July 13th. Entry will be free for members and £1 for guests. All our athletes require trainers at a cost of £2 each. Race Sponsors are also sought.
In conjunction with the Legends, we shall be running coaches to the semi-final on Sunday.
Prices are adults £10, children £5; £20 (£10) including two course meal. The club will also be running coaches. Book online now.
Our guest speaker for August 7 will be former Giants player Jeff Wittenburg.
For information visit the website, www.GiantsSupporters.co.uk, or contact Dave Calverley at da.calverley@PhotoLens.co.uk or phone 07887 878 425.
