Featherstone Rovers have high hopes for former Cronulla Sharks and Canterbury Bulldogs utility Fa’amanu Brown

The Samoan international has agreed to join Rovers subject to promotion to Super League being up for grabs when the Betfred Championship season resumes.

New Zealand-born Brown, 25, has played 37 times in the NRL - including three appearances for Canterbury Bulldogs last year - and Webster is excited about what the former Cronulla Sharks man will bring to Rovers’ squad.

“He has a good pedigree,” Webster said.

“He has played five Tests for Samoa, against the big teams too.

“I have watched a lot of his footy and got some information from people in Australia.

“I’ve been talking to him for an extended period, probably a month, over the phone - him and his agent - and the best thing about him is he can play three different positions for us.

“He can play in the halves, hooker or full-back, which is really important for us, plus he is a good goal kicker.”

Brown was a teammate of Leeds Rhinos’ Rhyse Martin before being released by Bulldogs at the end of last season.

He has received a governing body endorsement (GBE) which has allowed Rovers to apply for his VISA.

Webster added: “He is desperate to get over here, he can’t wait.

“He is recovering from an injury, but he will be good to go when he gets here.

“Unfortunately for him he is in a bit of a holding pattern at the moment.

“We have started all the paperwork and we will get everything done as soon as we get further information from the league.”

Webster confirmed he would “love to have” Brown at the club next year if this season’s move does not come off.

A decision is yet to be made on whether promotion will remain on the table if and when the 2020 Championship campaign restarts.

Rovers’ players remain on furlough, but Webster insisted: “We are ready to go.

“We have complied with all our risk assessments and we are just waiting for the green light from the RFL.”

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