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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