Having already resigned key figures Fui Fui Moi Moi, Luke Burt and Jarryd Hayne during the off season, the Parramatta Eels can cap of a memorable past few weeks by securing the long term services of 2009 rookie sensation Daniel Mortimer.
After debuting for the Eels way back in round 12 last season against the Cronulla Sharks, Mortimer showed incredible maturity beyond his years to help guide Daniel Anderson’s men to an unexpected grand final berth against eventual premiers the Melbourne Storm.
His combination with halfback Jeff Robson during the second half of the season was the key factor in allowing the Eels to address their early season woes and become arguably the most lethal point scoring team in the NRL.
With a wonderful rookie year under his belt, Mortimer will approach season 2010 as one of the players expected to play a vital role in obtaining the Eels first premiership in 24 years.
Whether the 20 year old will continue to play any part for the club after this season could be decided before Parramatta’s opening clash against the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Mortimer’s contract with the Eels expires at the end of this year, and the five eighth has made it a priority to get his future sorted before the start of season 2010.
As expected, the Canterbury Bulldogs have firmed as the biggest threat to Parramatta’s chances of retaining Mortimer.
The fact that Mortimer’s family roots tie so deeply with the success of the Belmore club do not bode well in regards to the Eels bid to keep him in the blue and gold.
Despite the Bulldogs interest, the fact that Mortimer was nurtured into first grade by Parramatta will undoubtedly play into the Eels hands when contract negotiations really heat up over the coming weeks.
Whilst a move to the Bulldogs will in no way hinder Mortimer’s evolution as a footballer, one believes the 20 year old should commit to the Eels for the next few seasons.
The fact that he feels confident and comfortable with his current surroundings will bring out the best in Mortimer not just for this season, but beyond.
Barely into his twenties, confidence will be the main driving force in Mortimer’s bid to become one of the NRL’s most influential playmakers.
And after a stunning 2009 season which saw the Eels make the grand final from eighth position on the ladder, there is no more confident club heading into the 2010 NRL season at the moment than Parramatta.
The Jackson Topine lawsuit raises issues of significant importance for player welfare and the duty of care owed to players by NRL clubs. In…
Canterbury's board have vowed to "vigorously defend" themselves against a $4 million civil case from former player Jackson Topine, amid claims he suffered a…
Andrew Johns and Brad Fitler disagreed over how the Hetherington-Mahoney altercation should've been handled with Joey suggesting if the pair got all their steam…
The younger brother of NRL star Nathan Cleary, Jett, has inked a three-year deal with the New Zealand Warriors to start in 2025. Cleary,…
Jack Hetherington could face sanctions from the NRL after vision emerged of the fiery Newcastle forward appearing to throw a punch at Bulldogs hooker…
Who are the hardest working big men in the NRL?
