He was named 19th man for Queensland in 2021.
Days away from squads being selected for the opening game of the 2025 State of Origin series, a surprising candidate has emerged to make his potential Origin debut for the QLD Maroons.
Previously named the 19th man for Game 3 of the 2021 State of Origin series, News Corp is reporting that Canterbury Bulldogs forward Kurt Mann has emerged as a potential option to be selected by Queensland coach Billy Slater.
It is understood that Beau Fermor, Corey Horsburgh, J’maine Hopgood, and veteran back-rower Kurt Capewell are other options Slater is also considering.
Able to play a variety of positions in the forwards and backline, Mann has been one of the Bulldogs’ best since arriving from the Newcastle Knights and played a crucial role in helping them make the NRL finals series last year.
One of the club’s leaders since the arrival of head coach Cameron Ciraldo, Mann is also an Under-20s QLD Maroons representative.
“If Queensland selectors are looking at Kurt, I can understand why,” Ciraldo told The Daily Telegraph about the possibility of Mann making his Origin debut in the coming weeks.
“He’s such a valuable contributor to our team with the way he plays for his teammates. He’s such a selfless character.
“Kurt is everything that you see, all effort in the toughest areas of the game. I said at the time that we signed Kurt that I couldn’t believe he was off-contract. I’m sure glad that he’s a Bulldog.
“Another thing I know is that it’s always been his ambition to represent his state, so passion for the jumper certainly won’t be an issue.”
NRL Team of the Week: Penrith Panthers, Canterbury Bulldogs men star
Jacob Kiraz (Bulldogs)
The Doggies’ epic comeback win over the Raiders was sparked by Jacob Kiraz, who kicked it off with a superb carry and kept going with superb yardage work and, as is his trademark, a killer late offload.
His try to settle the game was everything that Kiraz is about – bustling running, all elbows and knees, with the skill to swap hands with the ball, palm off defenders and keep his feet.
The Lebanese international should walk into the NSW team next week – he’s earned it.
Stephen Crichton (Bulldogs)
The best argument for Kiraz to get picked is the fact that he’ll play outside Stephen Crichton.
The second stanza in Canberra was madness from the centre, who scored the first, set up two more and utterly dominated his side of the field.
In a straight up battle with Seb Kris, this was as comprehensive a win as they come: Critta just sailed past him, ball often in one hand, or drew him in and passed around to Kiraz.
Crichton might well have had his best half in the NRL – and that’s saying a lot, given that he’s won three Premierships.