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Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...e-offseason-20110903-1jrmb.html#ixzz1Ww1wYnjdSnubbed Mortimer vows to return to NRL after 'massive off-season'
Daniel Lane
September 4, 2011
Snubbed ... Daniel Mortimer wants a starting place. Photo: Getty Images
PARRAMATTA'S Daniel Mortimer believes his actions will get him back in first grade after he was again overlooked for a recall for last night's clash with Gold Coast.
The 22-year-old, who was earmarked as the future of the Eels when he helped spearhead the side's charge to the 2009 grand final, was sent to feeder club Wentworthville midway through the season.
However, Wentworthville coach Brett Cook described his player's form as outstanding and was adamant Mortimer was far too good a player to languish in the NSW Cup.
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But the fact Eels coach Stephen Kearney selected outside back Luke Burt ahead of Mortimer to play five-eighth in last week's loss to Sydney Roosters and then snubbed Mortimer again when Casey McGuire was ruled out of last night's game against the Titans, suggests he faces a tough battle to get back next year.
''I'll let my actions and performance on the field speak for me,'' Mortimer said of the need to prove himself to Kearney.
''I've always worked hard, always given my best, because that's how I've been brought up. Whenever you get a little challenge like that, I rip in harder. I have worked really hard over the last few weeks, doing sessions here and there. I'm fit and I'll have a massive off-season.''
Mortimer was told six weeks ago he was not part of Parramatta's future plans. However, he was told at a time when it was too late to secure a contract elsewhere. After being signed to a reported $220,000 a season until the end of 2013, Mortimer's manager Steve Gillis said his client would see out the deal.
''[Parramatta] remains in Daniel's plans because he has no other plan,'' Gillis said. ''He'll be there. He has two years to go and he'll fulfil that commitment. When they told him he was no longer in their plans it was too late; the clubs had spent their money. He's focused on a big off-season and fighting for his position.''
Mortimer was stood down from Wentworthville last weekend after he missed a weights session for the Eels due to a ''mix-up''. Rumours suggested that cost Mortimer any chance of playing last night.
''Apparently four of them [missed the session], there was a mix-up on the [training] sheet,'' Gillis said.
''Daniel apologised to the club for that. However, as I said, four of them missed it. On the Tuesday, they were told they were back to Wentworthville for the rest of the week, but there was apparently a weight training session planned for them [with Parramatta] on the Thursday.'''
