Despite battling niggling injuries, nib Newcastle Knights five-eighth Kurt Mann has been consistent and instrumental in helping the team to a successful, winning start to the NRL season and again proved that in Thursday’s night victory over the Broncos.
The Queensland-born half managed to score a slicing try and deliver a brilliant try assist from the foot in the first half, before spending the final 21 minutes on the bench.
While he’s shined in the No.6 over recent weeks, he credited a lot of the team’s form to the tremendous performances of the forward pack.
Sign up for a free NRL Account to access this video and other exclusive content.
Sign UpAlready have an NRL Account?
Not sure? Learn more about an NRL Account .
“Playing off the back of both the Safs [Daniel and Jacob], Klemmer, Tim Glasby, Herm [Ese’ese], they’re all massive for us,” Mann said.
“They get our sets rolling and opens the game us for myself, KP and Junior to start running the ball.
“After last week he [O’Brien] spoke about our start against Melbourne. It wasn’t good at all. That was the focus this week and we came out really well.”
Mann: 'that' try assist, niggling injuries, in-form forwards
Mann starred off the back of his forwards but finished the game on the sideline having been replaced by utility Tex Hoy.
There have been recent question marks over Mann’s health having seemingly damaging his ankle against the Raiders but the former Storm and Dragons man has continued on.
Having played his third game in 11 days though, he revealed coach Adam O’Brien took him off as a precaution.
“I’ve got a few niggles,” he said.
I’m a bit tight in the back and my hamstring we’re started to seize up a bit.
“I think it was more precautionary. He wanted to look after me just because we’ve had a six-day, and five-day turnaround.”
The Knights now enjoy a ten day break before their next outing against the Cowboys in Townsville.
