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From the outside looking in, Kurt Mann's decision to join the Bulldogs at the start of last year was a major leap of faith. 

The proud club had missed the finals in seven consecutive seasons and finished 15th in 2023, Cameron Ciraldo's first year in charge. 

The public jury was still out on the coach's reign heading into 2024 but Mann had no such concerns. 

After finishing sixth last year, Canterbury are the only undefeated team left in the competition. The plan Ciraldo outlined 18 months ago has taken shape and now, as he prepares for his 200th NRL game, Mann is excited for what the future holds. 

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Kurt Mann on new colours and season ahead

"When I sat down with Ciro I had a chat with him about the program he wanted to run and I knew [GM Phil Gould] was at the helm as well," Mann told NRL.com. "Gus has been around the game a long time, he's probably the best at what he does, building clubs and organisations. 

"Then you've got a bloke like Ciro leading it, he runs the best program I've ever been part of. It's done wonders for my footy, I've played some of the best footy I ever have. I'm not getting any younger so it's been good."

Canterbury are expecting a crowd of 30,000 fans to descend on Accor Stadium for the final game of Multicultural Round on Sunday evening, with the club to celebrate a diverse playing and supporter group. 

Mann was one of multiple utilities to join the Bulldogs over the past few seasons, with many fans of rival clubs questioning the recruitment strategy.

Ciraldo, however, had a clear plan and knew the importance of veteran leadership in a rapidly evolving squad.

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Kurt Mann Try

Mann's impact at Belmore stretches well beyond the 43 minutes he averages each week and he quickly adopted a leadership role within the dressing room. 

The utility made his NRL debut at Melbourne more than a decade ago, learning how to be a professional football player from Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk. 

Mann knows now is the time to repay the favour and has taken a young Bulldogs forward unit under his wing. 

For Ciraldo, it's exactly what the veteran was recruited to do. 

"He's only been here not even 18 months but he's had such an important role to play in our club," Ciraldo said. "His leadership and experience has been such a benefit to us as a coaching staff and as a playing group. 

"He's a really important part of our club. The guys love him and we want to honour that by preparing and playing well this weekend."

Kurt Mann made his NRL debut for the Melbourne Storm in 2014.
Kurt Mann made his NRL debut for the Melbourne Storm in 2014. ©NRL Photos

Typically understated, Mann has been determined to ensure this week is not about him. 

As has been the case throughout his 18 months in Belmore, the lock is eager for the focus to remain on the club's celebration of Multicultural Round and the development of an emerging forward pack. 

"It's not really about me, it's about the club," Mann said. "When you get to my age, I'm the older statesman of the team.

"It's about the young players and I enjoy watching where we came from last year, the improvement in those boys and where we're headed now. It's about the journey for us and where we're going."

Having progressed through the Knights under 20s program before later returning in 2019 for five years, it's only fitting Mann will play his 200th game against Newcastle.

The utility lived with star fullback Kalyn Ponga during his time in the Hunter and knows exactly how dangerous the Dally M Medal winner can be. 

Communication throughout the week has been limited to some friendly jabs, with Mann confident the Bulldogs can limit Ponga's impact. 

"He's a good friend of mine," Mann said. "He'll throw a bit of chat at me this week. 

"He's a talented player, probably the most talented player I've ever played with. You've got to try and manage him as best you can. You're never going to completely take him out of the game, but you've just got to try and manage it."