New recruit Kurt Mann has plenty to adapt to.
New club, new systems and a new position.
The 25-year-old played much of last season as a utility bench for his former team the Dragons, but in 2019 he’ll be looking to move into the hooker role.
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“It’s been a bit of a learning experience for me,” Mann said.
“I’ve come a long way since I started but I still have a long way to go and still have things I need to work on and keep improving.”
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Mann admits he would prefer to perfect just one position.
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But his versatility means he can play anywhere in the backline, a handy trait Newcastle Knights coach Nathan Brown can use to his advantage.
“I don’t think I’ll ever shake that utility tag.” Mann added.
“I spoke to Nathan Brown about changing that perception, but he said it will be a hard thing to do because of injuries.
“I had that role at the Dragons, where I was bouncing in and out of a few different positions and that was a big reason for me coming up here to focus on one role.”
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Whatever the case, Mann is ready to put in 100 per cent.
“I will do what is best for the team, but I would really like to pick one position and if it is hooker, I’ll really try and nail that down,” he said.