[2] Mann played in the Auckland Rugby League competition for both Glenora and Ponsonby United.
In 1972, while playing for Ponsonby, Mann won the Hyland Memorial Cup as best coach in the Fox Memorial and in 1973 he won the Rothville Trophy as player of the year.
He represented Auckland and between 1971 and 1974 he played in Four Test matches for the New Zealand national rugby league team.
Another son, Don Jr, was the New Zealand Warriors general manager.
Three of his nephews, Warren, George and Esau, also played international rugby league for Tonga.