Taken directly from SMH
I also don't know if it has already been posted. If it has, I'm more than happy to have the blog deleted..
An ignominious season has freed Daniel Mortimer of the burden of expectation, writes Chris Barrett.
THIS time last year, Daniel Mortimer was the toast of the town. A rookie, blooded in mid-season and blessed with a famous surname, he had helped direct Parramatta on their glorious run to the 2009 grand final only six months beforehand.
Then came the climax to a high-profile tug of war between the Eels and Canterbury, the latter the club at which his father Peter and uncles Steve and Chris starred and which seemed his inevitable destination.
When Mortimer eventually re-signed with the Eels in the week before the premiership kick-off, the mayor of Parramatta turned up to front the club's frenzied announcement at Town Hall. There was little doubt the then 20-year-old was the hottest prospect in the NRL.
Things did not exactly work out to plan for Mortimer, or the Eels, for the rest of the year. Second-year syndrome, they call it, but in reality the hysteria of '09 had probably been too much too soon. Mortimer found himself on the back pages once again as coach Daniel Anderson ''rested'' him from the crucial round-23 match against Brisbane.
To say Mortimer has enjoyed this pre-season, hardly rating a mention with the Eels benefiting from low exposure, is an understatement.
''This year we haven't got as much pressure on us as a team,'' he said. ''It always is nice to be talked about but there is that expectation that comes with it. Probably we as a team weren't ready for [it last year].''
Much of Mortimer's bright outlook for this season has to do with the arrival of new coach Stephen Kearney. One of the first things the former Melbourne assistant did when he turned up last year was tell Mortimer and fellow playmaker Jeff Robson that they were the men to wear the No.6 and No.7 jumpers in 2011.
It was a much appreciated vote of confidence . ''It eased our minds - we haven't got that nervousness,'' Mortimer says of Kearney's move. ''I was doing my absolute best last year and it wasn't coming off. It was just one of those years … With that expectation off us this year, and the pre-season behind us, we're very excited.''
Replies
I think he was just referring to the name.... the name Mortimer goes with the doggies like fish goes with chips... but not this Mortimer, he bleeds blue and gold.. !!
Funny how they say - 'To say Mortimer has enjoyed this pre-season, hardly rating a mention with the Eels benefiting from low exposure, is an understatement.' - they obviously haven't been on 1eyed, the kid was getting crucified prior to the trials!
Anyways, I know these kind of blogs have been done to death, and this particular story doesn't really offer anything more than we already know, but I'm just pro-Mortimer, so will continue to post anything positive about the kid!