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.
Crosscoder
Guest
There are plenty of possibilities for the CC Bears.Gasnier and SBW want to play in the union WC in 2011 and maybe the game in 2012.That leaves them open to be marquee signings for the Bears.Imagine SBW and Gaz in the one team. Bear(sic) in mind,the salary cap in 2013 will have been lifted substantially. Judging by the size of the junior league on the CC,the club has plenty to work with. Mortimer will stay an Eel BTW. Heck even Willie Mason may be available,that will bring a rush of sponsors.
Col the Bear
Guest
Daniel Mortimer should remain an Eel ..until he becomes a Bear for the 2013 kick off.. this has legs, Daisy was the assistant Coach at Parra last year..and U 20s Coach..
Bradley A Smith
Roar Rookie
I totally understand that players move around in the NRL and the idea of a one club player is barely heard of nowadays, but the fact that the Bulldogs seem to have their eyes on not 1, not 2, not 3, but at least 4 of the Eels key players (with reports of Moritimer, Mateo, Kris Keating, and Kris Inu all of interest) is either a massive media beat up fuelled by greedy player managers, or a genuine embarrassment for the Canterbury club. If there is any truth to this, when the Eels and Bulldogs next play, the Dogs may as well roll over in defeat given their management clearly concedes that almost 1/3 of the current Parra run on side, including 3 of the key playmakers, are better than the incumbents at their own club. And before anyone mentions the "Canterbury 4" that moved to Parra during the Super League War, that was clearly an unusual and unprecedented set of circumstances, that saw 4 players (among others) make an ideological choice in a political war.
Rod
Roar Guru
Yep, and the more they mention it, the funnier it gets. Parra with a record 17 club championships and a record 7 in a row compared to the dishlickers 1 last year lol. I think we all know which club is the true bred not bought ;)
alan nicolea
Guest
Rod Indeed that Bred not bought logo is a load of rubbish now. They have become the Real Madrid of the NRL in terms of their spending spree.
Rod
Roar Guru
Bloody dish lickers. Bred not bought huh? And you can leave your cotton picking hands off Mateo as well.
Tinnie
Roar Rookie
Sorry Jay.... Mortimer and Mateo will remain Eels! Dont worry though the Dogs can always try and lure Anasta & Mason back ;)
Jay
Guest
I think he'll remain an eel, but would love to see the Mortimer name return to Belmore. Bold prediction - Mateo and Mortimer to the dogs. Thurston to the eels :P