Kurt Mann debuts as 9th St Brendan’s Old Boy to play Origin for Qld

When Kurt Mann runs out for Queensland in Game 2 of the State of Origin series on Wednesday night, he will continue the incredible legacy of St Brendan’s College graduates. The school’s legendary coach, Scott Minto, reveals what’s behind the success.

Kurt Mann will become the ninth St Brendan's College Old Boy to play State of Origin for Queensland.

When Kurt Mann runs out for Queensland in Wednesday’s must-win State of Origin, he will continue the proud legacy of one of the state’s most successful rugby league nurseries.

The tough-as-nails utility will become the ninth St Brendan’s College graduate to don the maroon.

At 32, he becomes Queensland’s second-oldest State of Origin debutant and he will play alongside another Brendan’s Old Boy in Harry Grant.

Mann’s selection also means St Brendan’s now lays claim to producing more Maroons State of Origin players than any other major rugby league school in the state.

Kurt Mann at the Maroons’ squad training session on the Sunshine Coast. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

It’s a remarkable record for a school nestled in the coastal town of Yeppoon, about 40km north-east of Rockhampton.

NRL legend Scott Minto is an integral part of the school’s proven footy program, signing on in 2019.

He said staff and students became enmeshed in the “fabric of the place”, where it was as much about shaping good people as it was good football players.

“It’s a big achievement and it’s crazy when you think about it,” he said.

“To think we’re here in Yeppoon and we’ve had nine Origin players and 28 NRL players.

Kurt Mann playing for St Brendan's at the Confraternity Carnival in 2010.

“If I’m to put my finger on what it’s about, it’s the culture of the school.

“I’ve found out in my time here what it means to be involved.

“People who come here, especially the young players, understand it when they leave.”

Minto said Mann epitomised it perfectly - a good human who became a great footballer - and he’s confident he’ll deliver on the State of Origin stage in Perth.

“I think Kurt’s been selected based on the fact they know he’ll turn up on every play, he’ll be energetic and he’ll be competitive,” he said.

Kurt Mann has been instrumental in the Canterbury Bulldogs’ rise.

“That’s the biggest thing at that level - you need someone who is going to be reliable and I think that’s what he’s going to be for that team.”

Mann hails from Winton and during his time at St Brendan’s was mentored by legendary schoolboys coach Terry Hansen.

Minto paid tribute to Hansen, who coached the school’s First XIII for more than 20 years and was instrumental in shaping so many of the players who went on to higher honours.

“Terry should be very proud of what he achieved here,” Minto said.

“He carried the torch for 20 years and sent so many players on their way to success.”

Origin stars from St Brendan’s College

Julian O’Neill

Julian O'Neill.

Graduated: 1990

Origin debut: 1993, Game 2

Career highlights: A versatile goal-kicking fullback or five-eighth, O’Neill played for the Brisbane Broncos, South Sydney Rabbitohs and Wigan Warriors. He won two NSWRL premierships, a Challenge Cup and represented Queensland and Australia.

Paul Bowman

Paul Bowman. Pic: Michael/Ross

Graduated: 1993

Origin debut: 2000, Game 1

Career highlights: A one-club player with the North Queensland Cowboys, Bowman captained the team and played 12 games for Queensland, becoming known for his outstanding defence.

PJ Marsh

PJ Marsh.

Graduated: 1997

Origin debut: 2002, Game 1

Career highlights: A crafty hooker who played for the Parramatta Eels, New Zealand Warriors, and Broncos, Marsh featured in four Origins for Queensland.

Matt Scott

Matt Scott. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Graduated: 2002

Origin debut: 2006, Game 1

Career highlights: Widely respected as one of Queensland’s greatest front-rowers, Scott played 16 years with the Cowboys, winning a premiership in 2015. He earned 22 Origin caps and played 22 Tests for Australia.

Dave Taylor

Dave Taylor. Pic Peter Wallis

Graduated: 2006

Origin debut: 2010, Game 1

Career highlights: Nicknamed “The Coal Train”, Taylor played for the Broncos, Rabbitohs, and Titans, earning eight Origin caps and international honours with Australia.

Ben Hunt

Ben Hunt. Photo: Scott Davis/NRL Imagery

Graduated: 2007

Origin debut: 2017, Game 3

Career highlights: A skilful halfback and hooker, Hunt has starred for the Broncos and Dragons and has been a regular in the Queensland side since 2017. He has also represented Australia.

Corey Oates

Corey Oates. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Graduated: 2011

Origin debut: 2016, Game 1

Career highlights: A fan favourite at the Broncos, Oates scored 121 tries in 216 NRL games and played nine Origins before retiring in 2024.

Harry Grant

Harry Grant. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Graduated: 2015

Origin debut: 2020, Game 3

Career highlights: Now the captain of the Melbourne Storm, Grant is one of the game’s elite hookers. He has become a mainstay for both Queensland and Australia.

Kurt Mann

Kurt Mann. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Graduated: 2010

Origin debut: 2025, Game 2

Career highlights: A resilient and versatile utility, Mann has played with the Melbourne Storm, Newcastle Knights, and Canterbury Bulldogs. His selection for the 2025 Origin series is a tribute to his consistency and hard work over more than a decade in the NRL.

Originally published as Kurt Mann debuts as 9th St Brendan’s Old Boy to play Origin for Qld