Bulldogs fans' worst fear
Adrian Proszenko | September 13, 2009
THE Bulldogs have officially lost their grip on the Mortimer family.
Daniel Mortimer, having set the NRL alight in his debut season for Parramatta, believes older brother Tim could become the next Mortimer to don the blue and gold.
''He's not far off it,'' Daniel told The Sun-Herald. ''He's been here for two years and I think he's got a good chance of breaking into the top grade. It would be a great day if he did. Dad always says that we know each other's games so well, it would be amazing if that did happen.''
Tim Mortimer, 23, represented Parramatta's feeder club, Wentworthville, in yesterday's NSW Cup semi-final against Balmain Ryde Eastwood. Tim is unlikely to displace Dally M medallist Jarryd Hayne from the Eels No.1 jersey but his ability to play anywhere in the three-quarter line makes him a handy option for coach Daniel Anderson.
It would also be the ultimate nightmare for Bulldogs fans. For decades, the Mortimer name has been synonymous with Canterbury. Steve, Chris and Peter - the father of Daniel and Tim - all won premierships with the Berries.
Daniel, 20, and Tim have forged an uncanny understanding after countless backyard games against older brothers James, 25, and Michael, 26. However, they have never played in the same side together. That may soon change.
''I've always had the same ambition but found it a bit tougher to get there,'' Tim said. ''Full credit to Daniel, he's put in a lot of hard work and it's actually motivated me. I'm 23 but it's kept the dream alive.
''We know each other's games pretty well, there's always little flick passes, chip kicks and grubbers [in backyard matches].
''Obviously Jarryd Hayne is in front of me so I have to wait for that opportunity. If it comes up I'll be ready to take it with both hands.''
The brothers are tight. Not only do they live together, they are also in the same class at the Australian College of Physical Education. It's a bond father Peter believes will serve them well if they get the opportunity to play together.
''Tim's a quiet achiever, he keeps plodding along,'' Peter said. ''It would be fabulous for him to get a run in first grade one day.
''Their paths have been different. Daniel came through the AIS and Tim's had to battle through the hard way. Hopefully they both have the same destination.''
The immediate focus for the Mortimer family, however, is Daniel's match against the Dragons today. The Parramatta playmaker believes his side can reverse last weekend's 37-0 loss.
''I was actually hoping we'd get another crack at them,'' Daniel said. ''After the game we went into the sheds expecting to get a big rev from Daniel Anderson.
''But he said: 'Hold your heads up. You've won seven of your past eight games to put yourselves into a position to drop one. You should be proud of yourselves and we'll be ready next week.'''
Adrian Proszenko | September 13, 2009
THE Bulldogs have officially lost their grip on the Mortimer family.
Daniel Mortimer, having set the NRL alight in his debut season for Parramatta, believes older brother Tim could become the next Mortimer to don the blue and gold.
''He's not far off it,'' Daniel told The Sun-Herald. ''He's been here for two years and I think he's got a good chance of breaking into the top grade. It would be a great day if he did. Dad always says that we know each other's games so well, it would be amazing if that did happen.''
Tim Mortimer, 23, represented Parramatta's feeder club, Wentworthville, in yesterday's NSW Cup semi-final against Balmain Ryde Eastwood. Tim is unlikely to displace Dally M medallist Jarryd Hayne from the Eels No.1 jersey but his ability to play anywhere in the three-quarter line makes him a handy option for coach Daniel Anderson.
It would also be the ultimate nightmare for Bulldogs fans. For decades, the Mortimer name has been synonymous with Canterbury. Steve, Chris and Peter - the father of Daniel and Tim - all won premierships with the Berries.
Daniel, 20, and Tim have forged an uncanny understanding after countless backyard games against older brothers James, 25, and Michael, 26. However, they have never played in the same side together. That may soon change.
''I've always had the same ambition but found it a bit tougher to get there,'' Tim said. ''Full credit to Daniel, he's put in a lot of hard work and it's actually motivated me. I'm 23 but it's kept the dream alive.
''We know each other's games pretty well, there's always little flick passes, chip kicks and grubbers [in backyard matches].
''Obviously Jarryd Hayne is in front of me so I have to wait for that opportunity. If it comes up I'll be ready to take it with both hands.''
The brothers are tight. Not only do they live together, they are also in the same class at the Australian College of Physical Education. It's a bond father Peter believes will serve them well if they get the opportunity to play together.
''Tim's a quiet achiever, he keeps plodding along,'' Peter said. ''It would be fabulous for him to get a run in first grade one day.
''Their paths have been different. Daniel came through the AIS and Tim's had to battle through the hard way. Hopefully they both have the same destination.''
The immediate focus for the Mortimer family, however, is Daniel's match against the Dragons today. The Parramatta playmaker believes his side can reverse last weekend's 37-0 loss.
''I was actually hoping we'd get another crack at them,'' Daniel said. ''After the game we went into the sheds expecting to get a big rev from Daniel Anderson.
''But he said: 'Hold your heads up. You've won seven of your past eight games to put yourselves into a position to drop one. You should be proud of yourselves and we'll be ready next week.'''
