At a relatively sleight 88kgs the 22-year-old would struggle to break into what is now one of the heaviest packs in the competition but it’s his ability to fill any jumper one through seven that made his a prized signature for coach Paul McGregor.

The Winton product played 20 games in the centres for the Storm last season after arriving in Melbourne via Newcastle but is equally adept at fullback and spent a fair chunk of his youth in the No.6 jersey.

It makes him part of an intriguing back-line puzzle for McGregor with the decision on whether to switch incumbent Blues fullback Josh Dugan to the centres to have a huge bearing on the rest of the lineup.

The club is reportedly still in the hunt for another outside back and has been linked to Manly winger Peta Hiku, Bulldogs centre Tim Lafai and new free agent James Roberts. 

Should any of the trio end up in Wollongong they would add to what is already a fierce contest for spots in the back line and Mann is yet to set his sights on any particular number.

‘‘I’m not 100 per cent sure where I’ll play,’’ Mann said.

‘‘If key players get hurt I can fill any position in the backs. I’ve played every position at different times.

‘‘I’m just happy to get the opportunity to play first grade which I think would be a really good experience here.

‘‘We haven’t done too much positional stuff yet but I’m sure Mary will sort that out when we get a bit closer to the season.

‘‘We’ll try a few different things and we’ll see what suits me best and suits the team best.’’

Three years in Melbourne under Craig Bellamy with the chance to be mentored by the likes of Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk means Mann arrives in Wollongong having completed a solid apprenticeship.

He is confident McGregor, a former Test centre, can take his game to the next level.

‘‘It was a great learning curve playing in Melbourne, everybody knows the type of club they’ve got,’’ Mann said.

‘‘[Slater and Cronk] were my idols growing up. They played for the Maroons and everyone knows what Queensland’s like.

“It was a really good experience and I learned a lot off those blokes but I thought the opportunity to play another club could further my game.

‘‘I came down and met with Mary and he seemed like a really good coach.

‘‘He knew a lot about me, a lot more about me in terms of numbers and that sort of stuff than I actaully knew about myself.

‘‘I could see he was very prepared and professional in his approach and I think he can really transfer his knowledge to his players.”