IT sounds strange for a player with over 100 NRL appearances, two grand finals and one premiership to his name, but 2015 could be the making of Daniel Mortimer.
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The ex-Parramatta and Sydney Rooster joined the Gold Coast midway through last year in the hope of more first grade opportunities.
Since his arrival at the Titans, regular first-choice halfback Albert Kelly has departed to England’s Super League, opening the door for Mortimer to become the club’s main playmaker next season.
After an astonishing debut campaign with the Eels in 2009, which culminated in a grand final appearance, Mortimer’s career never really got going.
The Orange CYMS junior left the Eels after a lacklustre 2010 campaign to join the Roosters in a utility role behind established halves pair Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney.
A premiership in 2013 was his reward but Mortimer left the Roosters to become a top dog at a club and knows it’s now or never time at the Titans.
“It’s probably my biggest season yet to be honest,” Mortimer told reporters after hosting a clinic for disadvantaged children at the Titans Learning Centre.
“It’s the best opportunity I’ve had in a number of years, that’s for sure. I’m really keen to make this a big one for myself.”
Despite injury having plagued Kelly during his two years at the Titans, when he was fit he formed a dangerous pairing with five-eighth Aidan Sezer.
Mortimer knows establishing a similar connection with Sezer will be key if the Titans are to end their run of four straight years without a finals berth.
“There’s all the makings there for a really good combination; we just have to keep working for ourselves and for each other,” he said.
“I’ve been hanging out for this opportunity for a couple of years now ... if we’re going to make the eight, I’ve got to step up.”
