The Colonel
Immortal
- Messages
- 41,992
Eels send Daniel Mortimer back to family vineyard in Orange to re-charge
By Dean Ritchie | August 06, 2009 12:00am
PARRAMATTA protected Daniel Mortimer from possible burn-out by sending the rising star home to his family's vineyard in Orange to re-charge for the tilt at finals footy.
Mortimer, 20, pruned vines and worked in the wine shed with father and former Canterbury champion Peter, along with seeing old mates and reuniting with his two dogs Georgie and Cydi.
Back now and fresh, Mortimer is ready for Sunday's big match against Newcastle at Parramatta Stadium - a game the Eels must win to retain any hope of reaching the finals.
"There can be fatigue on the body in the NRL. It is also more mentally draining than I thought," Mortimer told The Daily Telegraph.
"It was just nice to get some fresh country air in the lungs and to go home and relax. The property is looking beautiful. That is the biggest thing I miss living in Sydney."
Eels coach Daniel Anderson said Mortimer needed a break - physically and mentally. "He has played eight to nine games so the honeymoon is over," Anderson said.
"We sent him home to freshen up mentally and get some TLC from his mum and dad. That was the aim.
"The NRL is demanding. In Toyota Cup, you can play poorly and get away with it.
"There isn't as much scrutiny, pressure or media attention.
"But the NRL is relentless and has been for Daniel.
"But he is now back and has to focus on his footy and training and get back into the grind and routine."
Mortimer has been a stunning discovery at NRL level this year in a Parramatta side that has won three straight games, including victories over Melbourne and the Bulldogs.
Peter Mortimer said his son enjoyed leaving the pressure and scrutiny of Sydney for the country.
"The coach said he could go home for a few days. Daniel actually asked if he had done anything wrong," Peter said.
"He just told him to go and freshen up for a few days.
"He just caught up with some old friends and gave me a hand. He also did some general stuff, pruning and working in the wine shed.
"It was a good way for him to unwind. He doesn't get any special treatment around here. It keeps his feet on the ground.
"It was nice to catch up with him here in Orange. It was a good chance for him to rest.
"It was a smart move by the coach. He is a good judge of people.
"Against Cronulla, Parramatta led by 20 points so Daniel was taken off. It keeps him fresh."
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/nrl/story/0,27074,25889342-14823,00.html
By Dean Ritchie | August 06, 2009 12:00am
PARRAMATTA protected Daniel Mortimer from possible burn-out by sending the rising star home to his family's vineyard in Orange to re-charge for the tilt at finals footy.
Mortimer, 20, pruned vines and worked in the wine shed with father and former Canterbury champion Peter, along with seeing old mates and reuniting with his two dogs Georgie and Cydi.
Back now and fresh, Mortimer is ready for Sunday's big match against Newcastle at Parramatta Stadium - a game the Eels must win to retain any hope of reaching the finals.
"There can be fatigue on the body in the NRL. It is also more mentally draining than I thought," Mortimer told The Daily Telegraph.
"It was just nice to get some fresh country air in the lungs and to go home and relax. The property is looking beautiful. That is the biggest thing I miss living in Sydney."
Eels coach Daniel Anderson said Mortimer needed a break - physically and mentally. "He has played eight to nine games so the honeymoon is over," Anderson said.
"We sent him home to freshen up mentally and get some TLC from his mum and dad. That was the aim.
"The NRL is demanding. In Toyota Cup, you can play poorly and get away with it.
"There isn't as much scrutiny, pressure or media attention.
"But the NRL is relentless and has been for Daniel.
"But he is now back and has to focus on his footy and training and get back into the grind and routine."
Mortimer has been a stunning discovery at NRL level this year in a Parramatta side that has won three straight games, including victories over Melbourne and the Bulldogs.
Peter Mortimer said his son enjoyed leaving the pressure and scrutiny of Sydney for the country.
"The coach said he could go home for a few days. Daniel actually asked if he had done anything wrong," Peter said.
"He just told him to go and freshen up for a few days.
"He just caught up with some old friends and gave me a hand. He also did some general stuff, pruning and working in the wine shed.
"It was a good way for him to unwind. He doesn't get any special treatment around here. It keeps his feet on the ground.
"It was nice to catch up with him here in Orange. It was a good chance for him to rest.
"It was a smart move by the coach. He is a good judge of people.
"Against Cronulla, Parramatta led by 20 points so Daniel was taken off. It keeps him fresh."
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/nrl/story/0,27074,25889342-14823,00.html
Last edited:
