Nutbrown played for Canterbury in the Air New Zealand Cup from 2003 to 2005, before moving to Bay of Plenty in a swap with Kevin Senio.
He became one of Bay of Plenty's top players alongside New Zealand sevens representatives Solomon King, Nigel Hunt and Zar Lawrence.
When Kelleher left for Europe, Nutbrown was set to become the Chiefs first choice Half-back, but an injury forced him to miss 2007 and the spot was filled by future All Black Brendon Leonard.
Following former All Black Justin Marshall's departure to Montpellier Hérault RC, Ospreys needed a backup to Mike Phillips.
In August 2008 halfway through the Air New Zealand Cup, Nutbrown left Bay of Plenty for Ospreys.