Not as Grim as It Seems: Kurt Mann Discusses the Fallout from Ugly ‘Clip’ as Stephen Crichton’s Concerns are Eased

Kurt Mann has opened up about the consequences of a nasty “clip” to the head that occurred during Canterbury’s eight-point win over the Dragons on Saturday.

Following the match, Mann spoke to the media alongside coach Cameron Ciraldo, sporting a significant swelling around one eye, which he sustained while attempting to tackle Christian Tuipulotu on the wing.

While Tuipulotu emerged from the encounter without any visible injuries, Mann, aged 32, was left to contend with immediate swelling and bruising.

Mann exited the field with just 20 minutes left in the game.

“At the end of the second half, Tuipulotu was in the corner… I was trying to close down a little gap there,” Mann explained after the match.

“I just got caught, clipped a bit as he went by… it’s not as bad as it looks.”

In a recent Instagram post, Mann shared that his eye swelled up even more overnight and had taken on a black hue.

“Does it still look worse than it is?” Mann queried on Instagram.

The seasoned utility is unlikely to be sidelined and neither will their captain.

Despite Mann’s early exit from the game, Ciraldo dismissed any worries regarding potential injury issues for captain Stephen Crichton.

Crichton was seen limping off the field in the 70th minute, necessitating Jacob Preston to fill in out wide while Sitili Tupouniua took on an edge role.

However, in a positive development for the Bulldogs, the coach reassured that Crichton’s substitution was not a matter of concern for the team, but rather a precaution due to cramps.

“He was cramping up,” Ciraldo stated.

“His calves, glutes, and groin were cramping, I believe.

“He was doing his utmost, but it was better to get him off and adjust accordingly.

“It was just another hurdle, but we managed well.”