Kurt Mann-staying or going ?

[Dragonslayer]

Did you expect Norman to have signed officially, announcement and all, within the 40 odd minutes since reports of Mann's release surfaced?

No.
What i am referring to is the lack of information from our club.
Check out our pathetic website. No updates on anything for 4 or 5 days, no training shots (and only 1 of Lafai on Instagram) or videos, no HPU updates or training stuff.
Just nothing!!!!
Thats what im referring to. Also, check out other clubs websites, they are full with info on players, training etc.

 

[possm]

Possm mate
Where do you get 4 spots from?

If we include Norman (unconfirmed at this stage) we have 13 backs and 15 forwards thats 28. We also have 5/6 in the DS. So only 2 spots remaining.

I agree that RJ would be a good pick-up and slot in nicely at wing (#29 signing). We could then look to June 30 to complete the top 30.

I read on this forum that we had 4 spots open. Do you have a list showing current names in the top 30 and DS. If you do I would be very grateful to see it and use that info in future posts.

 

[Dragonslayer]

I read on this forum that we had 4 spots open. Do you have a list showing current names in the top 30 and DS. If you do I would be very grateful to see it and use that info in future posts.

Backs (13): Hunt, Nicholls, Aitken, Widdop, Field, Pearson, Periera, Dufty, Ravalawa, Lafai, Sailor, Z. Lomax, (Norman?)

Forwards (15): Lawrie, McInnes, JDB, Host, Graham, Latimore, Kerr, K. Sims, T. Sims, Timm, Leilua, Allgood, Vaughan, Robson, Frizell

DS (6): Masters, Saab, Ford, Lovodua, H. Lomax Blacker

 

[getsmarty]

Mann released, set to ink big deal as Knights new hooker
Knights

• December 10, 2018 11:57am
• 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 is set to sign a three-year deal with the Knights, and link up with the club immediately.
The Dragons granted him a release and The Newcastle Herald revealed exclusively that he will put pen to paper on Monday.


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.

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.

They are interested 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.


https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...r/news-story/ef1d05a27b7fde4df0f32adf7a97ac3e

 

[dragon thomo]

What a shame that we never gave this kid a proper go. He must be thanking his lucky stars he is away from McGregor.
We may regret this call

 

[Brutalitops]

What a shame that we never gave this kid a proper go. He must be thanking his lucky stars he is away from McGregor.
We may regret this call

This narrative needs to end. He played more than 60 games for us, was quite solid and likely better than Nighty in the wing, but not so great as to outdo his value to us as a utility.

 

[Dragonslayer]

So we are releasing one Mann and signing another man?

 

[Morotti]

What a shame that we never gave this kid a proper go. He must be thanking his lucky stars he is away from McGregor.
We may regret this call

In his first season at the club we gave him first crack at fullback and he has several howlers in a row that we had to drop him. Then in 2017 he worked his way into the team and we gave him an opportunity at half back and he did not impress. And again he has had several starts at 5/8 whilst Widdop was injured. He has played 62 games for the dragons and I reckon a fair few he got a start in. So really we gave him opportunity and he never really shone in my opinion. Good utility value.

That said I worry about signing Corey Norman.

 

[getsmarty]

In his first season at the club we gave him first crack at fullback and he has several howlers in a row that we had to drop him. Then in 2017 he worked his way into the team and we gave him an opportunity at half back and he did not impress. And again he has had several starts at 5/8 whilst Widdop was injured. He has played 62 games for the dragons and I reckon a fair few he got a start in. So really we gave him opportunity and he never really shone in my opinion. Good utility value.

That said I worry about signing Corey Norman.

With all due respect..you left out 2015 when he played wing and was our leading try scorer and only played half the games. He was never used correctly....Wing/Centre. He could cover 5/8 but he really should have been used as a winger/Centre.

 

[watatank]

And yet no one else wants him as a centre or winger..

 

[Bring back John Fifita]

Good luck to him. Sounds like a great deal and a great opportunity.

All the best Kurt and appreciate your efforts!

 

[getsmarty]

And yet no one else wants him as a centre or winger..

Because he was never been given a proper go...why wouldn't you leave him in the same spot in 2016 ?.....McGregor ruined any chance...constantly chopped and changed his position....that is the major reason...
We never got a chance to see what he was truly capable of over a number of years...

Anyway, wish Kurt all the best for the future.

 

[Datramp]

Interesting that Brown (an ex #9) wanted to sign Mann as a first choice #9 when he has never even played the position over any of the reserve grade hookers out there.

Clearly he sees something that many on the forum/coaching staff did not. Hopefully the gamble plays off.

 

[Belta]

I think this is an intelligent signing for Newcastle. I can see Newcastle being very successful over the next few years. I hope Mann feeds off the back of this success and is also given a decent crack at playing hooker. If he plays well he may secure the spot in a what looks like the most promising side in NRL. This recruiting reminds me of what Hunt said earlier about a hooker have less responsibilities, and I think it will suit Mann. He is a strong defensive player and quite nippy and evasive in attack. His versatility makes him even more valuable.

 

[Frank Facer]

If Mann starts at hooker for Newy next year, he is pretty much a lock for Supercoach.

 

[Drag Queen]

In his first season at the club we gave him first crack at fullback and he has several howlers in a row that we had to drop him. Then in 2017 he worked his way into the team and we gave him an opportunity at half back and he did not impress. And again he has had several starts at 5/8 whilst Widdop was injured. He has played 62 games for the dragons and I reckon a fair few he got a start in. So really we gave him opportunity and he never really shone in my opinion. Good utility value.

That said I worry about signing Corey Norman.

He had only 2 games at FB before being dropped, not several as you have stated. Good luck to him in Newy.

 

[Old Timer]

In his first season at the club we gave him first crack at fullback and he has several howlers in a row that we had to drop him. Then in 2017 he worked his way into the team and we gave him an opportunity at half back and he did not impress. And again he has had several starts at 5/8 whilst Widdop was injured. He has played 62 games for the dragons and I reckon a fair few he got a start in. So really we gave him opportunity and he never really shone in my opinion. Good utility value.

That said I worry about signing Corey Norman.

What a load of horse shit.
He had 1 howler and 1 mediocre game at FB and was instantly dropped.
Meantime Lafai had 1.5 seasons of absolute mediocrity, Nighty looked like a draught horse in reverse and Nene looked as if he was in the Bahamas on holidays for most of his time at the club.
Mann came back in as a winger and was top try scorer and was
then shunted to the bench and only got selected in a run on side due to other injuries so in fact was getting selected in positions he wasn't playing even when in ISP.
Mann like so many of the juniors coming through the ranks treated with contempt.

 

[Gareth67]

Undoubtedly deserved greater opportunities , but was relegated due to a couple of poor performances . Agree that he should had been given a permanent wing spot where he played many good games for the Dragons . A new team - coach is what he needs now , so can only wish him the best .

 

[getsmarty]

Mann released by Dragons
Ian Millward talks about the Dragons granting Kurt Mann his requested release.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/12/10/mann-released-by-dragons/

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons release Kurt Mann
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Mon 10 Dec 2018, 03:00 PM

St George Illawarra utility Kurt Mann has requested and been granted a release from the final year of his Dragons playing contract.

Mann played 60 games for the Dragons after joining the club at the beginning of the 2016 season. He has signed with another NRL team for the 2019 season and beyond.

Mann thanked the Dragons as well as the club's members and fans for their support.

"I want to thank the Dragons and its members and fans for all their support over the past three years – it has meant so much to have worn the Red V jumper," Mann said.

"I am also very appreciative to the Dragons for allowing me the opportunity to shore up my long-term future in the NRL by agreeing to release me.

"It wasn't an easy decision as I've formed many lifelong friendships over the years I've spent at the Dragons, and I wish them all the best in the coming season."

Dragons Director of Rugby League Pathways and List Management Ian Millward said the club factored in the 25-year-old's personal desires when coming to a decision.

"We have been in dialogue with Kurt and his management for a long period of time," Millward said.

"He was offered a long-term contract and more security in regards to his playing minutes and being a starting player. We understood his desires regarding this, one he's been persistent about it.

"At this point, we haven't found a suitable replacement – we're still on the lookout for someone. But we also feel we're in a much better position financially, and we will be ready to move those funds when the right person becomes available."

The Dragons still have three spots to fill in their Top 30, and Millward has dictated the club is still on the hunt for a quality outside back.

"The market dictates a lot what you're looking for as well as clubs and player movement. We're still on the lookout for an outside back of some quality," Millward said.

"We will sign a couple of players but they aren't at the moment what we're looking for in terms of Kurt's replacement.

"We also know we have plenty of really good emerging players here at this club who are ready for an opportunity.

"You look at Jai Field, Zac Lomax, Reece Robson and even players like Blake Lawrie and Jacob Host who will be looking to make further inroads in their own NRL careers."


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/12/10/dragons-release-kurt-mann/