Everywhere man Brown wants to make Dragons his home

But after pitching up at St George Illawarra last week and making his debut from the bench in the Red V's win over the Warriors, the hooker believes a reunion with Shane Flanagan can help him drive to new heights.

Brown has carded a remarkable 36 games over the last two years across four different NRL sides - Wests Tigers, Canterbury, Newcastle and the Dragons - as well as Super League outfit Hull FC and Tests for New Zealand and Samoa.

The 29-year-old previously worked with Flanagan at Cronulla and after his old coach got wind the hooker was looking for a return to Australia, Brown was delighted to make the move.

"After the Kiwis Tests last year Flanno wanted to get something over the line, but I'd said I'd already signed with Hull," Brown said.

"Having Flanno as a junior he had looked at bringing me over and then I got homesick.

"Credit to Hull FC for giving me my opportunity. I couldn't keep collecting a pay cheque and biding my time, I thought to myself, 'I can't put a price on my happiness'.

"My father-in-law is unwell and it's more important for me to be home."

Brown is likely to retain his spot for Thursday's Anzac Day clash with the Sydney Roosters and continue sharing the hooking role with Jacob Liddle.

Beyond then, the Christchurch-born rake is hopeful - but also realistic - about his hopes of finally putting down some long-lasting roots.

"I'm a journeyman, I've broken the record for playing for the most NRL clubs," Brown said.

"It's about putting food on the table for me and my family.

"A lot people say, 'I don't know how you and your partner are still together'.

"But it's not on me, it's a business. You know, I'd like to stay at the club long term but I know that's not how the top-30 (squads) work.

"I'm at that age when I'm at the back end of my career, but I'm happy to just play some consistent footy and hopefully it secures me a long-term deal."

Australian Associated Press