Canterbury Bulldogs lock Kurt Mann believes he’s finally ready to make his long-awaited State of Origin debut for Queensland — potentially becoming the state’s oldest first-timer since the legendary Arthur Beetson.
After over a decade in the NRL, Mann is edging closer to donning the Maroons jersey, with his next club outing at Suncorp Stadium against the Gold Coast serving as a potential dress rehearsal for Origin I on May 28 at the same venue.
Now 32, Mann is considered one of the NRL’s ultimate journeymen and has impressed Maroons coach Billy Slater, who recently said Mann possesses the qualities needed for Origin football.
Since entering the NRL as a centre for Melbourne in 2014, Mann has evolved into a central figure in Canterbury’s rebuild, excelling in the lock position over the past two years. Though he briefly experienced Origin camp life in 2021, the Winton product from rural Queensland is now seriously in contention for a bench spot.
If selected, Mann would become the third oldest Origin debutant ever, behind Beetson — who first played at age 35 in 1980 — and NSW’s Tony Butterfield, who debuted in 1998. No Queenslander since Beetson has debuted past the age of 32.
“I’m not getting any younger, so if there’s ever a time to be ready, it’s now,” Mann said. “Even if it’s only talk at this stage, it’s exciting. But nothing’s guaranteed — I still need to keep playing well. If the chance comes, I’d absolutely grab it.”
Slater is very familiar with Mann, having played alongside him at Melbourne early in his career. While Mann once operated as a halves utility, he’s flourished in the modern game where agile middle forwards have become increasingly vital due to the faster pace.
Last year, Queensland used Kalyn Ponga and Ben Hunt off the bench in the final game of the series, but this year they’re expected to favour an additional forward, which strengthens Mann’s case.
Though Mann hasn’t actively sought out Slater’s praise, word has reached him through friends.
“People have mentioned things to me, but our main focus is still here at the Bulldogs,” Mann said. “If we handle our business here, everything else will follow.
“It’s a credit to Ciro (coach Cameron Ciraldo) and the staff — at this point in my career, I think I’m playing some of my best footy.”
He also dismissed any suggestion of a dip in team morale following Canterbury’s first defeat of the season to Brisbane.
“It was just a small setback — we let the game slip away,” Mann said. “But aside from the result, everything stayed the same. The energy at training was still great.”
