Eels forward Nathan Brown’s selection for the grand final after three months out is believed to be a warning of an assault on Nathan Cleary and it has reached the Panthers’ inner sanctum.
Brown has been out of favour with Eels coach Brad Arthur since Round 17 as the club looks to offload his contract, but he earned a stunning recall for the biggest game of the season, despite the fact he hasn’t played first grade in 12 weeks.
Paul Kent believes Brown has been picked to tighten up the Eels’ defence so they do not have to chase points late in the game.