Bears have plan for young Dan

And the Tellaliegraph continue to push the Mortimer stories........NORTH Sydney have identified rising Parramatta five-eighth Daniel Mortimer as their marquee player as the club pushes for inclusion in the 2013 NRL premiership.The Daily Telegraph can reveal the Bears have asked Mortimer, off-contract at the end of this year, to sign a new two-year deal - ensuring he is available for the 2013 season.Norths coach David Fairleigh last night confirmed his club's interest in one of rugby league's hottest young players - on and off the field."We want to build a team around Daniel - we'd like him to be our marquee player," Fairleigh said yesterday. "We hope he signs a new two-year contract and that would allow us to have a shot at him after the 2012 season."We most definitely have an interest in Daniel. We want players here with the right character. He comes from a terrific family and is a level-headed kid."Mortimer is tipped to remain at Parramatta until the end of 2012 despite interest from his father Peter's former club, Canterbury."Ultimately it would be Daniel's decision but, as I said, we would be delighted if he only signed a two-year deal," Fairleigh said."It's important in your first few years for your club to be successful."Mortimer's manager Steve Gillis said Mortimer had not yet decided his immediate or long-term future."It is flattering the Bears have made their intentions known," Gillis said last night. "They plan to be up and running by 2013 and have told me they want Daniel as their marquee signing."I'm sure we will take their thoughts into consideration as we move forward."Parramatta may attempt to block out the Bears by signing Mortimer to a three-year contract.Fairleigh said his club's bid for inclusion was gathering momentum daily. "Everything is going really well. We have made some more corporate signings," he said."We have a whole group of former Bears fans who want to get behind us and also have a core of Central Coast fans who will support us. They are the next generation."Both groups are happy to get behind us."Meanwhile Mortimer will be rested for tomorrow night's trial against Sydney Roosters at Gosford.Recruit Timana Tahu will return to the NRL, saying: "I can't wait to get out there and just play."

"The games we really need to win are bunnies, cowboys and knights. That should be plenty to avoid the spoon. Rest just put up a fight against must stronger sides "

"Fair enough, Joash seems like a talent. I guess it comes down to fitting all the pieces into place.That comes down to trusting the coach, feel more comfortable with him then BA. 40 years next year but it's like driving on a highway facing east pre…"

Replies

Gibson February 26, 2010 at 5:36am

It's good to see that Dave Fairleigh is keen on Fantasy Footy. What a joke.
Wild_Eels February 26, 2010 at 8:22am

Good one Gibson, and good luck to Mort if he wants to play under David "Crap" fairleigh.
Johnny Suede February 26, 2010 at 8:48am

The chances of the Bears being up and running by 2013 is about the same as me rooting Jennifer Hawkins - NONE! It's just a media stunt by Fairleigh to try and get some interest in the Bears 'cause no one's interested in them. The NRL knows they'd only get 10 supporters up there and I'd see another Queensland team or an interstate team before the Bears evening looked like happening. Although I'm all for expanding the league I just think there's only enough quality players for 16 teams. Remember the 24 teams in the early 90s? The quality of play was f#cking horrible.
Bourbon Man February 26, 2010 at 8:49am

Anybody that plays under David Fairleigh is asking to having their career derailed! I don't think either we nor the Dogs have anything to worry about!
Clive February 26, 2010 at 10:04am

I honestly cant believe the Bears gave Fairleigh a job considering his terrible performance at Parra,he took a good side to a tragic one in 18 months.
1Eyed Eel February 26, 2010 at 10:12am

Worst. Coach. Ever
Raspberry February 26, 2010 at 12:21pm

I'm not reading too much into this although I'm getting a feeling the general consensus from you guys so far is that you would hate to see a central coast team? I think it's a pretty good idea myself, I think they would have a fairly big following as alot of people from newcastle who hate the knights would back them and of course alot of people from the central coast, give em a go i say.
1Eyed Eel February 26, 2010 at 12:29pm

I think the consensus is more so we just don't like David Fairleigh
- Slaytanic > 1Eyed Eel February 26, 2010 at 3:14pm
  
  Yep, no problem with the Central Coast and would love to see the Bears back. But they are shooting themselves in the foot by having Fairleigh has the head coach.
Wild_Eels February 26, 2010 at 12:56pm

no doubt