Last Monday, Paradise Mann was at home in Christchurch when his phone rings.
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On the other end is an opportunity too good to pass up.
Now, on Sunday, the kiwi monster will debut for Group 10 premier league leaders Orange CYMS at Wade Park during the club’s round 13 clash with the Cowra Magpies.
Mann’s link to the undefeated green and golds is through fellow Christchurch prop Chris Bamford, the 26-year-old landing in Orange on Wednesday after the club reached out to the imposing prop to help bolster what’s largely considered one of the smaller packs in Group 10.
And the 117 kilogram, 185 centimetre big man can’t wait.
“It was one of those last-minute decisions, I thought why not,” Mann said of his move from the land of the long white cloud to the colour city.
“Bam’s said all of the boys are good, it’s a close group. I’m looking forward to it.”
The former Christchurch representative gun was keen to check out the Cowra side ahead of his first game in Group 10.
He’ll do so from the bench after Sullivan named arguably his strongest 17 of the season, with Dom Maley, Joe Duffy and Lachlan Munro joining Mann on the pine.
The Magpies are coming off a less-than-convincing win over Blayney last weekend, the Bears leading by six points in the second half before the Magpies swooped on a 20-12 win.
The crucial two points landed Cowra just inside the top five, a spot the Magpies will be keen to maintain.
But CYMS at Wade Park will be the black and whites’ biggest test of 2017.
“I’ll just see how it goes and come off the bench,” Mann said. “I’m expecting some very fit people.”
Mann’s measurements are as impressive as Bamford’s, adding some much needed size to a CYMS pack that has, albeit effectively, been forced to play outside backs Robbie Mortimer and Brock McGarity in the backrow.
But the latest kiwi to don green and gold says not to expect the same sought of motor as CYMS' ultra-impressive Bamford.
“I’m more impact. I’m not an 80-minute man … I leave that up to Bambi,” he laughed, before adding his goal is to help CYMS maintain the impressive form displayed over the opening three months of the season.
“That’s the plan. Hopefully we can go all the way.”
And the name, Paradise?
“Blame mum for that one,” the quietly spoken kiwi smiled.
“It stands out, but I just get Dise most of the time.”
CYMS roll the dice against Cowra from 2pm on Sunday.
Nick McGrath
Editor, Central Western Daily
Editor, Central Western Daily
