Knights in the news: Handy Mann, prepared for change

There’s been no shortage of interest in our boys this week.

The nib Newcastle Knights attracted plenty of media attention and we’ve pulled together some of it in case you missed it.

HANDY MANN

It’s a luxury to have a player like Kurt Mann.

A versatile utility, he’s been slotting in seamlessly wherever needed for the Newcastle Knights.

His efforts haven’t been going un-noticed.

Coach Nathan Brown told Triple M’s Sunday NRL show he’s done a great job for the side so far.

“He’s just a good competent footballer who is a great competitor,” Brown said.

At the start of the year Mann moved between fullback, hooker and centre, but Brown identified no. 6 is one of his solid positions.

“We worked out after the Canberra game, five-eighth might be the best for our team,” Brown added.

“The other day he played five-eighth and then he went to hooker for us after we lost Kalyn as well as Danny.

“He did it well.

“We would like to keep him in one spot if we could but how that happens with injuries and State of Origin only time will tell.”

The Knights coach also talked about the benefit of having Connor Watson who can also play a utility role.

“We’ve got the situation with Kalyn and Queensland, so Connor is probably our next best option at fullback,” Brown maintained.

“What we do with our backline will determine what we do with Connor.

“I thought Connor’s game was his best game for this year playing that utility role, but he’s good at fullback as well.”

CHANGE FOR WATSON?

Also speaking to Triple M, Watson discussed the potential of slotting into the no. 9 jersey with Danny Levi injured and facing time on the sidelines.

“I don’t mind that, I have sort of played all over the shop this year,” Watson told the Saturday NRL show.

“I started at fullback, then I was in five-eighth and played Hooker last night (Friday) and played fullback when Kalyn got concussed at the end.

“I’m happy to play nine, it is something I am comfortable doing.