Mann's inside running for Dragons No.1
By MITCH JENNINGS
Feb. 12, 2016, 3:01 p.m.
IT appears the Dragons No.1 jersey is Kurt Manns to lose with coach Paul McGregor giving the strongest indication yet that he is prepared to thrust the 22-year-old into custodians role come round one.
Where star fullback Josh Dugan will play in 2016 has dominated preseason discussion around the Dragons with NSW Origin star stating his preference is to make a permanant shift to the centres.
With Dugan rested from Saturdays Charity Shield clash with South Sydney, Mann will get first crack at the jumper but McGregor said all contenders will need to mount a compelling case for him to shift the incumbent NSW fullback.
I keep saying it and Ill say it again, Josh is the current NSW fullback so someone is going to have to play really well in these trials for me to move him because weve got some good centres as well, McGregor said.
Its a good chance to play the centres in the preferred positions and obviously Kurt at fullback with Josh missing the game.
With the games going forward and how much football Josh played last year its important we rest important guys at different times and weve got the opportunity to do that with Josh this weekend.
Its a good opportunity for Kurt to play well.
Hes had a really tough preseason and hes played most of it at fullback.
In all our ball work hes had a hand mostly at fullback so yeah hes going to get an opportunity this game and next game to prove hes worthy of playing in that position.
Mann played 20 games for the Storm last season in the centres but, having come through the grades primarily as a five-eighth or fullback, McGregor believes he can offer a lot more in key ball-playing positions, likening him to Penrith captain Matt Moylan.
Because hes played in the halves for most of his career hes more of a ball-playing fullback [than Dugan], McGregor said.
That was a big positive for us when Kurt came on the market not just as a centre because I dont think thats his best position.
I think he played in that position because thats where Melbourne needed him to play. He shows me a lot more as a 7,6, 1 type of player.
Hes very quick across the ground and at training hes getting the defensive reads right. Obviously its going to be a step up in a game.
Josh is a big powerful runner and brings the ball back better than most and hes got good skill to score but theres more of an opportunity to play off Kurt out the back off shifts.
Thats probably where we lacked a little bit of try-scoring last year.
Hes more of a [Matt] Moylan type of player when you look at it.
http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/3724564/mann-to-make-first-pitch-for-fullback-spot/?cs=2382
By MITCH JENNINGS
Feb. 12, 2016, 3:01 p.m.
IT appears the Dragons No.1 jersey is Kurt Manns to lose with coach Paul McGregor giving the strongest indication yet that he is prepared to thrust the 22-year-old into custodians role come round one.
Where star fullback Josh Dugan will play in 2016 has dominated preseason discussion around the Dragons with NSW Origin star stating his preference is to make a permanant shift to the centres.
With Dugan rested from Saturdays Charity Shield clash with South Sydney, Mann will get first crack at the jumper but McGregor said all contenders will need to mount a compelling case for him to shift the incumbent NSW fullback.
I keep saying it and Ill say it again, Josh is the current NSW fullback so someone is going to have to play really well in these trials for me to move him because weve got some good centres as well, McGregor said.
Its a good chance to play the centres in the preferred positions and obviously Kurt at fullback with Josh missing the game.
With the games going forward and how much football Josh played last year its important we rest important guys at different times and weve got the opportunity to do that with Josh this weekend.
Its a good opportunity for Kurt to play well.
Hes had a really tough preseason and hes played most of it at fullback.
In all our ball work hes had a hand mostly at fullback so yeah hes going to get an opportunity this game and next game to prove hes worthy of playing in that position.
Mann played 20 games for the Storm last season in the centres but, having come through the grades primarily as a five-eighth or fullback, McGregor believes he can offer a lot more in key ball-playing positions, likening him to Penrith captain Matt Moylan.
Because hes played in the halves for most of his career hes more of a ball-playing fullback [than Dugan], McGregor said.
That was a big positive for us when Kurt came on the market not just as a centre because I dont think thats his best position.
I think he played in that position because thats where Melbourne needed him to play. He shows me a lot more as a 7,6, 1 type of player.
Hes very quick across the ground and at training hes getting the defensive reads right. Obviously its going to be a step up in a game.
Josh is a big powerful runner and brings the ball back better than most and hes got good skill to score but theres more of an opportunity to play off Kurt out the back off shifts.
Thats probably where we lacked a little bit of try-scoring last year.
Hes more of a [Matt] Moylan type of player when you look at it.
http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/3724564/mann-to-make-first-pitch-for-fullback-spot/?cs=2382
