Mortimer begs Eels to stand by their Dan
Brent Read
The Australian
August 16, 2010
PARRAMATTA halfback Daniel Mortimer has become the latest Eels star to show his support for embattled coach Daniel Anderson.
He called on the club and its board to show some loyalty and stand behind the man who led them to last year's grand final.
Mortimer, rested by Anderson for last Friday night's season-saving win over Brisbane, admitted yesterday he would be disappointed to see the coach lose his job.
Despite having another year to run on his contract, speculation is rife that Anderson is on borrowed time at Parramatta. The sense of inevitability about his future heightened when it emerged chief executive Paul Osborne had gone behind Anderson's back to hold talks with Melbourne assistant Stephen Kearney last week.
There were suggestions the club's board was ready to strike had Parramatta lost to the Broncos. The Eels notched a remarkable win, saving their season and Anderson's position for at least a week.
Regardless, chairman Roy Spagnolo has already foreshadowed a complete review of operations at the end of the season, a move which could spell the end for Anderson.
Mortimer believes that would be a mistake.
"I think I have a pretty good relationship with Daniel," Mortimer said.
"He invited me up to train with first grade first and gave me an opportunity halfway through the year, and stuck with me.
"He took the Eels to a grand final last year and he has a very good record of being a very successful coach. I don't know how true the talks are but I would be very disappointed to see him go.
"They should show him a little bit of loyalty and see out his contract at least because there is no doubt he is a great coach. He has a lot of support from the players."
Mortimer reiterated the players were behind Anderson.
"I will tell you now, as part of the playing squad, we all support Daniel," he said. "Ultimately, it's their (the board's) decision. I will tell you now the playing staff and squad would be very disappointed to see him go because he's done a lot for the club and he's a very good coach.
"There's no doubt about that."
Mortimer's show of support for Anderson comes only days after the coach made the surprise decision to rest him for the game against the Broncos.
The 21-year-old starred for the Eels last season as they made a remarkable surge to the grand final. However, he has had extra attention this year and his form has suffered.
Mortimer admits he was initially disappointed when Anderson told him he would be given a week off. However, he now concedes the coach was right to give him a break.
"Obviously, initially I was a bit disappointed but that's natural," Mortimer said.
"Once I did speak to Daniel through the week, for all his reasons, what he said was pretty much spot-on. I lost my bounce a bit. I was running on empty.
"Having a week off, I didn't like it at first. I would have liked to be out there. But I trust his decisions. He's a very experienced coach.
"It's something you have to cop on the chin.
"Obviously, this year has been tougher. I have been targeted this year and, mentally, lately I haven't been at my peak. This year I didn't expect to be targeted as much.
"I didn't expect my fatigue in defence to influence my attack as much. In saying that I think I have learned a lot this year."
Mortimer, who watched last Friday night's game from the coach's box, is still unsure whether he will be recalled for Sunday's crucial match with the Tigers.
However, he believes his enforced rest has been rejuvenating.
"It will depend on a lot of things," he said.
"They had a good win. Who knows? It will be hard to break back into a side that's winning. I will have to play it by ear and train my butt off.
"I just have to show this week that I am razor-sharp and ready to go.
Obviously, with how Friday night unfolded it will be more difficult. I may have to sit out one more week.
"I have to do my best and look sharp, and get that hunger to play.
Hopefully, he includes me but if he doesn't I will respect his decision.
"Once I watched the game I was itching to get out there.
"I have always had the hunger to play but I think I have that little bit extra now."
Link:
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/new...and-by-their-dan/story-e6frg7mf-1225905605479
