Nathan Brown has taken a veiled swipe at his previous coaches, lauding Anthony Seibold for his honesty after being given a career lifeline at Manly.
After winning selection for NSW's State of Origin squad in 2020, Brown has endured an NRL career with more downs than ups.
The lock was dropped by Parramatta midway through 2022 before getting an eleventh-hour recall by coach Brad Arthur to play in the Eels' grand final loss to Penrith.
The Italy international played a bit-part role for Trent Robinson at the Sydney Roosters last season before landing at Manly, where he says he has appreciated Seibold's straight-shooting approach.
"The last two or three years have been a roller-coaster and when you play Origin you think your career is only going to go up," Brown told AAP.
"But for me, everything went downhill.
"At this stage of my career, being up front and honesty from a head coach is what I need.
"I didn't want any mind games or any relationships where you can't have a chat with your coach, or can't let him know what you're feeling.
"It's been really good (at Manly) and I'm enjoying that."
Brown's clear frustration with his career trajectory was summed up when he took the field for the Roosters, coincidentally against Manly, in August last year.
The forward was on the SCG field for all of 30 seconds before being sent off for a high shot on Manly back-rower Ben Trbojevic and has not played an NRL game since.
"You can probably say that - you don't have a clear head if you're doing that kind of stuff," Brown said.
"I wanted to make an impact but I overstepped that line.
"If my head is clear - which it is at the moment - I've got a lot of confidence (a similar situation won't happen again)."
The 30-year-old was added to Manly's top-30 squad earlier this week and will get his first hit-out in Sea Eagles colours in Saturday's trial against the Roosters.
While his career path hasn't developed how he imagined, Brown is keen to prove he is not a spent force in the NRL.
"I'm 31 next month and the body is feeling really good, a pre-season is what I needed at this age," Brown said.
"I know I've got that in my body, knowing I've done all the hard work. I'm really looking forward to the season."
