Newcastle's newest signing Kurt Mann is set to try to become the Knights' leading hooker next season, although club legend Kurt Gidley believes that's much easier said then done.
Mann has started games at fullback, wing, centre, five-eighth and halfback over his 88-game NRL career, but has never begun a contest at No. 9.
Gidley believes Mann's capable of making the switch, but says a move to hooker is up there with one of the toughest to complete in the game.
“He’s got plenty of skills and attributes that any team player would want,” Gidley told the Newcastle Herald.
“But there’s no doubt hooker is the most demanding position on the field, I believe.
“I played fullback, where you have to do plenty of running, which is tough, but the wrestling and tackling aspect of hooker, it definitely takes a toll on you.
“The fatigue, and the soreness in the days after a game, and picking yourself up to do it week after week, it’s a real challenge.
“But he’s a good player and I believe he’ll be able to handle it.”
The Knights signed Mann on a three-year deal on Monday, six years after he left the club to pursue opportunities at the Melbourne Storm.
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