At 32 years young, Bulldogs ‘Mr Fix It’ Kurt Mann has been called up to live his childhood dream of representing the Queensland Maroons.
Selected in the No.14 jersey by coach Billy Slater, Mann has made a name for himself this season performing a key utility bench role at the Bulldogs and knows he can fill in wherever needed come Wednesday night.
“Probably when I first come into first grade, wasn't so important, but with all the rule changes and the speed of the game, the injuries now, that role’s started to become a really valuable role there,” Mann said.
Mann Slices Through, Hayes Scores!
“You can really make an impact in the game. I've actually started a game in every position bar front row (but) I've played a little bit of front row as well, a couple of weeks back against the Roosters.
“I played front row for about 20 minutes, so not the biggest front rower and pretty glad they didn't kick off to me as well.
“But I'm confident I've played enough footy now that I think I could get the job done or do a job regardless wherever they put me.
A lot of people that come into the Queensland Origin side, usually start wearing that 14, especially in the spine, in 6 or 7, 9, so the calibre of players that have worn it, it's a jersey that I hold in really high esteem.
“It's a jersey to represent my state and my family back home and my community where I grew up.”
Hailing from the tiny outback Queensland of Winton, 1353km from Brisbane with a population of just over 1000 residents, Mann said it would be “massive” news in his home town who would rally to support him.
“When they found out I was 18th man for the last game they – there's a big water tower in town and it's usually white – but they turned it maroon,” Mann said.
“I don't know how they managed that, so I think it'll be it'd be a pretty good atmosphere in Winton this week.”
