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Kurt Mann only needed to be given one position to focus on to thrive but his versatility and NRL form could make him the perfect option as Queensland's No.14.
Kurt Mann's versatility in the NRL could make him a Queensland State of Origin bolter but all he ever needed was a little stability to thrive.
Mann has been one of the most improved players in the NRL this year, starring at five-eighth for Newcastle before now being the saviour at hooker.
The 27-year-old is one of the few players to have figured in every position in his NRL career, from fullback at Melbourne to a prop at St George Illawarra.
But in 2020, Mann has finally been given a role. And it's shown in the way he's played.
While he'll play in the No.9 against North Queensland due to the Knights' injury crisis and Blake Green's arrival, his long stint at five-eighth gave him the confidence to shine.
"It's something I have always wanted, and to finally have it has worked wonders," Mann told AAP.
"(Coach) Adam (O'Brien) came in and made it pretty clear to me what I needed to do and where I was going to play.
"Now I had to move but I still know what I have to do each week.
"It's simplified."
Mann had always insisted he was a No.6, even when he was regularly swapping positions at other clubs and very rarely playing in the halves.
And there's every chance he'll return there next year, with Green only signed until the end of this year at Newcastle and Jayden Brailey to be fit again at hooker.
"My best games I ever played in the NRL were always at five-eighth," Mann said.
"It's something I was always confident with."
And for Origin?
At the end of last year it's something Mann could barely have dreamed of.
But he's now the Maroons' form utility option.
Moses Mbye filled the role last year with neither he or Corey Norman enjoying the same success in 2020.
Michael Morgan would be another option but will likely play centre, while Ben Hunt could fall back to the bench if Harry Grant is the starting hooker.
But none offer the same versatility as Mann, prompting his coach O'Brien to back him for an Origin debut this week.
"I haven't really thought about that. It's towards the back end of the year," Mann said.
"But if I was to get an opportunity I would put my hand up.
"It wouldn't hurt my case playing a few different positions, especially for that No.14 position."
STATS THAT MATTER:
* North Queensland have won 10 of their last 14 against Newcastle.
* Newcastle are awarded the most set restarts and give away the least.
* Newcastle score the most tries in the NRL from kicks.
:: Fox Sport stats
