Mann on a mission to become oldest Kangaroos debutant
Now, after helping the Maroons to a stunning series win, 32-year-old Kurt Mann is on track to belatedly realise another childhood dream by becoming the oldest player to debut for the Kangaroos.
Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo believed Mann was the best utility player in the NRL when he signed him from Newcastle at the end of the 2023 season.
His form since arriving at Belmore has only reaffirmed that opinion, with Ciraldo declaring Mann should 'definitely' be a candidate for Australia's three-Test series against England, which will be the Kangaroos' first Ashes tour in 22 years.
'I think they take 22 players over, and he'd be one of the first I'd choose,' Ciraldo said.
If Mann plays during the Ashes series, which kicks at Wembley on October 25, he will become the oldest Kangaroos debutant – breaking a record that dates back 66 years.
The only other player to have celebrated his 32nd birthday before first pulling on the green and gold was legendary hardman Billy Wilson, in 1959. If Mann is selected, he will be more than six months older than Wilson was at the time of his debut.
Before his Queensland call-up this year, Mann wondered if age would count against him when it came to representative football.
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Tom is a very down to earth, family-oriented man, some may say shy at first, but once he brings out his sarcasm, you know he feels comfortable. Away from footy, Tom enjoys cooking, golf, walking our dog CJ and travel. Where did you two meet? Did you know he was a famous footy player? We met was at Macquarie Uni back in 2020, where we both studied business degrees. He needed me to help him pass his final exam and in exchange he took me for a drink. Now you guys are getting married in December, how did he propose? Tom had just finished playing for Australia back in November last year, and we had planned a trip to Europe. Before heading overseas, we started our time off down in Bowral at Osborn House. Unbeknown to me, Tom had planned for the hotel staff to set up our room with rose petals, champagne and candles while we were at dinner on the first night. When I got back, I got the shock of my life. I loved how much of a surprise it was, it was really special. How is he around the house with chores, cooking, stacking the dishwasher, cleaning, gardening, feeding the dog etc? Tom is extremely helpful around the house, I will give him that! When it comes to the outdoors … not so much. Tom despises gardening and mowing the lawn, the only outdoor job he enjoys is cooking a steak on the barbeque! I guess all footy professionals are healthy eaters but surely he breaks out every now and then with some fast food? Our house is full of healthy food so the majority of the time, we eat a very clean diet. The day after a game though … I could find Tom anywhere from the local KFC, to getting a Maccas McFlurry, to enjoying enough pizza to feed a family! Tell us about his relationship with Jake, Ben and Luke? How tight are they? Well they spend most days at training together and then choose to spend their days off together, so they're pretty tight! They have a group chat with the four of them and their mum, Mel, called 'My Boys' and it's constantly going off. I asked this same question to Alix: The NRL is a roller coaster of highs and lows. Tom's had some tough times with injuries. How do you cope when he's having a rough trot? It is definitely a roller coaster! Tom cares so much about his teammates and ensuring he is doing his job for Manly that when uncontrollable situations occur, it can be really challenging. We definitely lean on each other during the more difficult times to try and lift the mood, stay positive and move forward. He's had some great moments; won a Dally M; played for NSW and Australia. I bet you're proud. Tom has achieved an inspiring amount playing football, but nothing comes close to his achievement of dating me! (haha). In all seriousness, what makes me most proud is how he shows up every day ... as a person and a partner. 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