THE Group 10 rumour mill is abuzz with the suggestion Orange Hawks’ captain-coach of the last two seasons, Tim Mortimer, could be headed to rivals Orange CYMS in 2015.
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This week, he all but squashed the speculation saying his loyalty remains with the two blues, as long as they’ll have him.
After leading Hawks to a grand final in 2013 and fifth in 2014, Mortimer’s coaching record speaks for itself, as does his performance.
“I don’t want to stir anything up,” he laughed.
“But I’m happy at Hawks, I have been for the last two seasons and I want to keep coaching. I do need to apply for the job again, and I will do just that.”
However, it was also revealed recently that younger brother Robbie will return to his hometown after several seasons with Queensland’s Redcliffe Dolphins.
Perhaps tellingly, Robbie Mortimer’s allegiance lies with CYMS, and his elder brother admitted playing together is a goal.
“I’m 28 and he’s 21, and with my travelling we’ve never played together, so that is a goal,” Tim said.
“From talking to him, he wants to play for CYMS and I don’t think there would be much chance of dragging him to Hawks.
“But as I said, I’m happy at Hawks. We’ve got a good side, and I think we can keep pushing at finals time.”
The two blues’ skipper went on to heap praise on his little brother, who he said will come back from the sunshine state a much better footballer.
“I went up to a few of Redcliffe’s trainings a while ago, they are intense,” he said.
“They’re one of the biggest clubs in Queensland and they feed into the Brisbane Broncos, so they know what they’re doing.
“Robbie is a much better footballer now and will be a handy pick up for whoever gets him. He’s more skilful and a lot bigger.
“But, once again, I’m happy where I am.”