Mann determined to show his worth as Dragons' NRL halfback

The Dragons splash out $6 million to sign Ben Hunt when their best halfback solution is right under their nose the whole time.

Yet, as Kurt Mann tries to save St George Illawarra’s season, he’s also trying to prove he deserves a regular starting spot in the team, after shifting from fullback to wing, centre, five-eighth, bench and now No.7 in two seasons in Wollongong.

At the same time, Ben Hunt has been shifted to dummy-half to maximise Wayne Bennett’s attacking options at Brisbane.

Hunt played 56 minutes in the victory over the Dragons on Friday, the best indication yet he can handle the defensive workload playing hooker.

Mann’s biggest test yet comes on Sunday against the NRL’s form halfback, young Penrith playmaker Nathan Cleary, who is the leading pointscorer in the competition. With Matt Dufty emerging as the likely long-term fullback option and Jai Field another potential star, Mann is adamant his best position is at halfback.

“I enjoy playing there, I played in the halves (during) all my junior footy – and a bit of fullback as well,” he said. 

“That’s where I enjoy playing and I think it suits me better in the halves than playing in the centres or on the wing. I’m here for another two years, I’m just sort of focussing on this year and the moment. 

“We’ve got a big occasion and we need to win.”

Penrith suffered a major blow this week when it was revealed Matt Moylan sustained a hamstring injury in the win over Canberra and will not return until at least the first week of finals.

The Panthers have won seven in a row, with 19-year-old Cleary now shouldering most of the responsibility to lead them around.

“He’s a quality young player, he’s got a good kicking game,” Mann said. “He’s got great game management as well, so I think shutting him down will go a long way to winning the game.”

Sunday (4pm)

PANTHERS v DRAGONS

Pepper Stadium

TV: Live on Nine Illawarra and Fox Sports League