GAME ON: Daniel Mortimer is finding form with Newtown. Photo: GETTY IMAGES
ORANGE product Daniel Mortimer has scored a personal haul of 20 points in Newtown’s 36-30 trumping of the Illawarra Cutters in their NSW Cup elimination semi-final at WIN Jubilee Oval, Kogarah, last Sunday.
In one of the more polished performances in an up and down 2012, Mortimer bagged two tries and kicked six from six with the boot to help guide the Jets to the six-point win and book a place in next Sunday’s minor semi-final versus North Sydney.
The 23-year-old halfback said his display against the Cutters was one of the best of his season.
“It was. It’s been an up and down year for me personally but I’m now settled in the Newtown side and I want to give it a good crack,” Mortimer revealed.
“Everything I do well at the end of this year will put me in good stead for next season.”
Mortimer has floated in and out of the Sydney Roosters NRL squad this season, but has spent the last two months plying his trade with the Jets in the NRL’s feeder competition the NSW Cup.
Next season is the last of a two-year deal Mortimer signed with the Roosters.
Season 2013 is shaping up as a make-or-break year for the former Parramatta Eel.
However, the always optimistic Mortimer said he was looking forward to finishing the year on a high with Newtown and starting afresh when new Roosters coach Trent Robinson takes over the reigns at the club from sacked mentor Brian Smith.
“(Robinson) left the Roosters before I arrived but everyone around the place has big raps on him,” the Orange CYMS junior said.
But before worrying about 2013, Mortimer has the rest of 2012 to look forward to.
The Jets’ next assignment will be the North Sydney Bears on Sunday.
The Bears finished the regular season in second place, but lost their qualifying semi-final 28-26 in a thriller against Newcastle.
“Norths have had a great season but we (had a draw) the last time we played. It’s a different level of footy, finals football, especially in the NSW Cup with guys getting a few players back (from the NRL),” Mortimer said.
And the Jets are no exception.
Newtown has been fortunate enough to benefit from the services of NRL players like Mortimer, Mose Masoe, Peni Tagive, Nafe Seluini and Justin Carney, to name a few.
Mortimer believes his side can go all the way.
“Definitely. We’ve knocked off every side at the top of the table at one stage or another this year. There’s no reason we can’t go all the way,” he said.
The Jets tackle the Bears from 3pm at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday.