Browne has to learn dark arts

Feb 7 2010 by Nick Purewal, Sunday Sun

STUART GRIMES believes Pete Browne will benefit from another stint in the Newcastle Falcons engine room.

Pace-filled back-rower Browne knows all about stepping and offloading in contact, but Falcons forwards coach Grimes wants the Durham University Theology graduate to add a gritty edge to the finer side of his player.

The young No 8 put in a standout shift at lock in the Anglo-Welsh Cup defeat at Cardiff last weekend – just the latest impressive performance in his breakthrough season at Kingston Park.

Browne’s full-time switch after summer graduation has allowed him the chance to beef up and add timber to his lofty frame.

And while Grimes agrees with Browne that the young buck’s best position will probably be No 8 long-term, the ex-Scotland lock reckons the odd outing in the row will help him hit his fighting weight.

The 22-year-old Bristol-born loose-forward spent the pre-season lifting weights to build power, and now Grimes wants him to hone his close-contact work.

Browne will start again at lock this afternoon as the Falcons entertain Wasps at Kingston Park in the Anglo-Welsh Cup (kick-off 3pm).