Gold Coast have eased their halves crisis by signing Daniel Mortimer until the end of 2016.
Mortimer has been granted an immediate release from his current deal with the Sydney Roosters and will join his new Titans teammates for training on Wednesday.
The capture of the premiership player couldn’t have come at a better time for the Titans, who have lost five straight matches and are struggling in the halves department.
Beau Henry limped off in the eighth minute of Monday’s 24-20 loss to Melbourne with a left knee injury likely to sideline him for at least six weeks while Aidan Sezer is also a long-term casualty due to a torn pectoral muscle.
Albert Kelly could return for Sunday’s match against St George Illawarra but is still in doubt, suggesting Mortimer could debut for his new club as early as this weekend.
“Daniel is a quality player and a quality person with a good all-round game who has played in two grand finals and brings energy and experience to any team,” Titans coach John Cartwright said.
“I see him as a genuine NRL player and a valuable addition to our squad in the halves.”
Mortimer, who came off the bench in the Roosters’ grand final win last season, said he’ll always hold special memories of his time at the Bondi club but the opportunity to join the Titans was one he couldn’t turn down.
“The club’s had some unfortunate injuries to deal with, especially in the halves, and I’m looking forward to taking hold of this opportunity, meeting my new teammates and getting straight into training and doing my job for the team,” the 25-year-old said.
Mortimer, who joined the Roosters from Parramatta, has played 91 NRL matches since debuting in 2009.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson paid tribute to Mortimer’s time at the club.
“Daniel typifies the type of player we’ve been trying to build our team around, and while it’s sad to see him go, I’m excited to see him pursue a more regular opportunity in the halves,” said Robinson.”
john badseed
Guest
$hayne good value for money.
john badseed
Guest
Could have moved to a better team than the titans. Newtown Jets? Free money each week punting against the tits.
Eden
Guest
Well done to morts for finding somewhere to take his game. Was a great player of the chooks and covered Pearce exceptionally when needed. He also built up his defence to play in the middle when coming in for friend. Too good to be a bench player, Hopefully he finds his feet quickly and can show hat he can do when running the team
Billy
Roar Rookie
Agree twodogs
Sir Jamie Lyon
Guest
Shayne hayne muzz that's all I have to say.
Muzz
Guest
Not a bad stint at Bondi for Morts. 2012 NSW Cup Grand Final winner 2013 NRL Minor Premiers 2013 NRL Premiers (eat it Manly) 2014 World Club Challenge Winner All the best and thanks for the memories.
Andrew
Guest
Mortimer and Kelly were the halves for parramatta u20's so I think they will gel quickly. Both great players, as an eels fan it's sad they are still not eels players. Good luck to them both.
Sir Jamie Lyon
Guest
Should of sent pearce. Morts has more skill in his left big toe. Good luck buddy
twodogs
Guest
Close to the bone there Billy. I reckon he's as good as Pearce in most facets of play and at the titans may give a bit of spark to their attack.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Yes a good solid player,both on and off the field.He's a Mortimer ,say no more,the Titans will get value out of him,provided he remains injury free.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Good pick up for the Titans, Mortimer was the reason nobody really noticed the NSW Halves being missing from the Roosters during the origin rounds last year. If he combines well with Sezar next year that will be interesting to see.
eryan
Guest
Great signing for the Titans
Mac
Guest
Honestly as a roosters fan I was hoping Daniel would one day in the not too distant future take over from Pearce. Sad to see him go he has always provided spark and creativity from the bench and filled in very well in the halves when given the opportunities. Wish him the best of luck at the Titans..
Billy hunt
Guest
Probably wouldn't have happened if Pearce hadn't got on the drink and sacked from origin :) good pick up for Gold Coast.
Parrafan
Guest
Lol. Ricky Stuart misses out on his man again...