Mortimer moves on
NICK MCGRATH
25 Oct, 2011 04:00 AM
DANIEL Mortimer is set to join the Sydney Roosters next season after inking a two-year deal with the tri-colours yesterday.An Orange CYMS junior, Mortimer was granted a release from the final year of his deal with the Parramatta Eels, freeing the 22-year-old to join the Roosters and potentially fill the void left by wayward five-eighth Todd Carney.
The Orange product was looking forward to the move.
“I can’t wait. I’m really excited about the fresh start,” Mortimer revealed to the Central Western Daily yesterday.
“I’m happy to play anywhere as long as I’m playing first grade.”
The Eels have been chasing a high profile halfback for close to two seasons, and eventually got their man when they signed South Sydney Rabbitohs pivot Chris Sandow on a rich four-year deal mid-year.
Sandow is set to partner ex-Canterbury Bulldog Ben Roberts next season, leaving Mortimer on the outer.
The diminutive five-eighth has been in talks with the Roosters for the last month and now has the chance to partner New South Wales State of Origin halfback Mitch Pearce as the Roosters’ first choice halves pairing for the 2012 National Rugby League season.
“It has been a slow process,” he said.
“We had a look around and there wasn’t much out there and then the Roosters released Todd (Carney), and the opportunity came up.”
It’s also an opportunity for the Roosters.
After making the 2010 grand final on the back of Dally M Medalist Carney, the Rooster’s fall from grace last season was spectacular.
Off field dramas, on field failures, the Roosters were a rabble.
Carney was subsequently dumped and Mortimer’s signature is the first step in the right direction - the first step towards change.
Mortimer said he had spoken to Roosters coach Brian Smith and the veteran mentor believes the young half’s attitude will be an asset to the club.
“He’d heard good reports which is pleasing,” Mortimer said.
“I’m hoping now just to let my training do the talking for me now.”
Mortimer made his NRL debut for Parramatta in round 12, 2009, helping the club to the grand final in the same year.
But he’d hit a stalemate at the club in 2011.
Restricted to just nine first grade games last season, Mortimer was rested in the Eels’ 40-6 win over Cronulla in round 12 and played out the back half of season 2011 with NSW Cup side the Wentworthville Magpies.
Leaving, however, wasn’t an easy decision.
“I’ve still got plenty of friends and fans at Parra,” he said.
Eels Chairman Roy Spagnolo paid tribute to the Mortimer’s contribution to the club since joining the Eels in 2007.
“Daniel has been a terrific member of our club and everyone here has an enormous respect for him,” Spagnolo said.
“It’s obviously been a tough period for him over the past season but he’s shown his class throughout. We’re proud of what he’s achieved with the Eels and we wish him all the best at the Roosters.”
Mortimer said he was primed for a big pre-season with his new club.
“It’ll be massive. My biggest one yet,” Mortimer said.
“It’s exciting, though. There’s new players, new systems, new staff. I’m hoping to settle in well.”
