The Newcastle Knights have signed utility Kurt Mann to a three-year deal after Mann was released by the St George Illawarra Dragons.
The 25-year-old utility has made 88 NRL appearances for the Dragons and Melbourne Storm, and spent two seasons with the Knights' under 20s side before joining the Storm in 2013.
He was granted a release from the final year of his St George Illawarra contract to join Newcastle, where he'll fill the 29th spot in the club's 30-man roster for 2019.
"It all began for me in Newy. I left Queensland as a young kid and was fortunate enough to play SG Ball and 20s for the Knights," Mann told newcastleknights.com.au.
"It's a homecoming of sorts. I can't wait to meet everyone and get to work."
Mann thanked the Dragons for agreeing to the release and for his three seasons at the club.
"I want to thank the Dragons and its members and fans for all their support over the past three years – it has meant so much to have worn the Red V jumper," Mann told dragons.com.au.
"I am also very appreciative to the Dragons for allowing me the opportunity to shore up my long-term future in the NRL by agreeing to release me.
Mann released by Dragons
"It wasn't an easy decision as I've formed many lifelong friendships over the years I've spent at the Dragons, and I wish them all the best in the coming season."
Man can play anywhere in the backline and spent much of the 2018 season as a bench utility for the Dragons.
"We identified Kurt as a player of interest quite some time ago," Knights coach Nathan Brown told the Knights website.
"We believe Kurt has the potential to become a hooker and his ability to play a range of positions is an added bonus in today's game.
"Kurt expressed a desire to secure a regular position and he'll be given every opportunity to do that."
