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https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...r/news-story/ef1d05a27b7fde4df0f32adf7a97ac3e
Mann released, inks big deal as new Knights hooker
KNIGHTS
Kurt Mann is set to sign with the Knights after being released by the Dragons. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Kurt Mann has signed a three-year deal with the Knights starting in 2019.
The Dragons granted him an immediate release and he formally accepted terms with Newcastle on Monday afternoon.
1:07
It is understood Nathan Brown wants to turn the utility back into a hooker, and Mann jumped at the opportunity to nail down a starting spot.
It will be a homecoming of sorts, with the Winton-born Mann having played for the Knights under-20s in 2011 before making his NRL debut for the Storm in 2014.
“We identified Kurt as a player of interest quite some time ago,” Knights coach Nathan Brown told the club website.
“We believe Kurt has the potential to become a hooker and his ability to play a range of positions is an added bonus in today’s game.
“Kurt expressed a desire to secure a regular position and he’ll be given every opportunity to do that.”
The decision to release Mann indicates the Dragons are close to securing a quality back, with the club making it clear they would only free the 25-year-old if they could find an adequate replacement.
In their statement confirming Mann’s release, the Dragons’ director of recruitment Ian Millward denied having earmarked a suitable replacement, but says the club is in a strong financial position to pounce if the right fit becomes available.
They have shown interest in picking up Corey Norman, and there was also speculation Alex Johnston was on their radar.
But complicating matters is Norman’s reported $940,000 a year salary at the Eels, and the fact the Dragons maintain they have no intention of moving Matt Dufty from fullback.
With Gareth Widdop likely to ask for a release after this season, Norman would be a key signing if they can find the cap space for him.
It also throws the future of Danny Levi into doubt, with Mann expected to be given first crack at the No.9 jumper, and Slade Griffin ahead of Levi in the pecking order despite a long-term injury.
Levi has reportedly received interest from the Tigers and Eels.
Mann has played 88 games in the NRL, and played five-eighth for the Dragons in their semi-final loss to the Rabbitohs last season with Widdop out.
He has never played regular dummy-half, with most of his experience as an outside back and half.
Mann released, inks big deal as new Knights hooker
KNIGHTS
- December 10, 2018 3:13pm
- JOE MCDONOUGH
- Source: FOX SPORTS
Kurt Mann is set to sign with the Knights after being released by the Dragons. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Kurt Mann has signed a three-year deal with the Knights starting in 2019.
The Dragons granted him an immediate release and he formally accepted terms with Newcastle on Monday afternoon.
1:07
It is understood Nathan Brown wants to turn the utility back into a hooker, and Mann jumped at the opportunity to nail down a starting spot.
It will be a homecoming of sorts, with the Winton-born Mann having played for the Knights under-20s in 2011 before making his NRL debut for the Storm in 2014.
“We identified Kurt as a player of interest quite some time ago,” Knights coach Nathan Brown told the club website.
“We believe Kurt has the potential to become a hooker and his ability to play a range of positions is an added bonus in today’s game.
“Kurt expressed a desire to secure a regular position and he’ll be given every opportunity to do that.”
The decision to release Mann indicates the Dragons are close to securing a quality back, with the club making it clear they would only free the 25-year-old if they could find an adequate replacement.
In their statement confirming Mann’s release, the Dragons’ director of recruitment Ian Millward denied having earmarked a suitable replacement, but says the club is in a strong financial position to pounce if the right fit becomes available.
They have shown interest in picking up Corey Norman, and there was also speculation Alex Johnston was on their radar.
But complicating matters is Norman’s reported $940,000 a year salary at the Eels, and the fact the Dragons maintain they have no intention of moving Matt Dufty from fullback.
With Gareth Widdop likely to ask for a release after this season, Norman would be a key signing if they can find the cap space for him.
It also throws the future of Danny Levi into doubt, with Mann expected to be given first crack at the No.9 jumper, and Slade Griffin ahead of Levi in the pecking order despite a long-term injury.
Levi has reportedly received interest from the Tigers and Eels.
Mann has played 88 games in the NRL, and played five-eighth for the Dragons in their semi-final loss to the Rabbitohs last season with Widdop out.
He has never played regular dummy-half, with most of his experience as an outside back and half.
