Anthony Seibold is lauding Nathan Brown for resurrecting his career at Manly as the former State of Origin forward comes face to face with Parramatta for the first time since leaving the club.
Brown quit the Eels in the wake of their 2022 grand-final loss and struggled to make an impact in a short-lived stint at the Sydney Roosters.
The 31-year-old arrived at Brookvale over the summer as a train-and-trialist with questions over whether his NRL career had run its race.
Brown impressed enough to earn a spot on the bench in the Sea Eagles' opening two wins of the season.
The one-time NSW Blues representative has since said he enjoys Seibold's coaching because there are no "mind games".
Insisting Brown didn't have a point to prove on Sunday, Seibold said: "We gave him an opportunity to train and trail and that is why I've got a lot of respect for him - he didn't think it was beneath him.
"It's a great lesson for the younger players in our game, who want everything now but he was willing to prove himself to the staff and the group.
"He's done that through his actions over the pre-season and in his first two games.
"But I've got a lot of respect for someone to turn up on a train and trial for someone who has played the grand finals and has played for the Blues."
Brown's impact from the bench will be critical for Manly as they attempt to conjure up a third-straight win to start the season for the first time since 2007.
The Eels' power in the middle forwards and strong home form at CommBank Stadium may give them an advantage.
But after seeing off Souths and outgunning the Roosters in the opening two weeks of their campaign, Seibold is looking to man mountain Taniela Paseka and devastating edge forward Haumole Olakau'atu to continue their form.
"There's a really good match up in the middle of the park," Seibold said.
"I think most people will realise that's where the games can be won or lost.
"It's an opportunity to work towards our best footy."
Parramatta, who have won three of their last four games against the Sea Eagles, will debut exciting youngster Blaize Talagi in the centres as Reagan Campbell-Gillard brings up his 200th NRL game.
