Mann on a mission to save Saints as well as playing future
KURT Mann has risen from ruin to declared he can be the man to rescue the injury-ravaged Dragons.
In what would be a remarkable tale of rugby league redemption, the player banished to reserve grade only 12 months ago is hoping to save St George Illawarra’s season by replacing injured No.6 Gareth Widdop.
Admitting he has “huge shoes to fill’’, Mann will today step in for the player who has led the Dragons to second on the NRL ladder in a selection that could make or break St George Illawarra with Widdop out for up to six weeks.
Mann, 24, is also fighting for a new contract with the talented utility out to put his name up in lights when he locks horns with Cooper Cronk and Cameron Munster in the top of the table clash against the Melbourne Storm.
“I am definitely up for it,’’ Mann said.
“It is an opportunity for me and I need to put my best foot forward with Gaz being out.
“They are big shoes to fill because he has been playing out of his skin and he is our captain. But this is something I am really looking forward to.’’
Mann has risen from the floor to earn selection alongside Josh McCrone today in the makeshift playmaking combination that is out to continue the Dragons’ stunning season start.
The former Melbourne player was forced to make his way back into the NRL through the NSW Cup last year after starting two failed matches at fullback.
“I started at fullback last year and the first game was OK,’’ Mann said.
“And then the next game I had a complete shocker. It was the worst game I have ever played. I was really down on confidence after that and I had a few injuries as well. which really set me back.
“But I ended up stringing a few games together in reggies (reserve grade) and was given another crack.”
Mann admitted his confidence was shattered after the axing but he regrouped to score 10 tries in 11 matches after forcing his way back into the NRL.