Manly forward Nathan Brown has made a huge sacrifice to play in Las Vegas, leaving his heavily-pregnant wife at home to make the trip.
The 31-year-old will feature for the Sea Eagles in their NRL season opener against his former club South Sydney, with the former NSW enforcer named on the bench.
His wife Nadine however is due to give birth in the coming days, which could see Brown stranded in the US or on a plane home for the big moment.
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“She’s very supportive of me,” he told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“I’m lucky to have her in my life and she’s been good from the start. We knew for a few months when the due date was, she’s going to be induced literally when I get back.
“I will get back to Sydney at around lunchtime on Tuesday and we will go to the hospital Tuesday night. Hopefully, we will have it then.
“I obviously can’t just get on the plane or drive for an hour like if I was in Australia.”
Brown arrived at Manly in the off-season on a train and trial deal, but has since been promoted to the club’s top 30 roster.
The aggressive middle-forward is now looking to repay the faith shown in him by Anthony Seibold and the Sea Eagles as part of a historic weekend in Vegas.
“Manly gave me an opportunity, so I have to repay them with my actions,” Brown said.
“I’ve had a good pre-season and everyone at the club has been great so far. I owe them and need to play some good footy.”