Meet the Four-timers: Mortimer family link reaches 1987 milestone

Three decades deep in fact.

This Sunday marks the first time four Mortimers have played in the same rugby league game since 1987 when Peter, Chris and Steve ran out for Canterbury and youngest brother Glenn played for Cronulla.

Tim and Robbie Mortimer, 31 and 24 respectively, have been part of Orange CYMS since 2015 and this year will be joined by older brother James (32), who has linked with his junior club after finishing up his time as captain-coach of Belrose in the Manly competition.

While, in 2017, Charlie Mortimer (18) has been playing in the backrow for the Blayney Bears.

It’s a unique occasion for the family, one James jumped at ahead of the King George Oval showdown on Sunday.

Likely to play off the bench in premier league, the 32-year-old will play his first game in CYMS colours since the 2002 Group 10 under 18s grand final.

”I don’t expect to come in and take anyone’s job. The side is on top of the table,” James said.

“I’m happy to come on where ever, get a game with the boys and then play it game by game from there.”

James has played with Tim previously – the pair played with Hawks in 2005 – but has never played with two brothers, and certainly not in the same game against a cousin.

“We’re a very close family and it’s an amazing opportunity,” the half or fullback said.

At times, there could be five Mortimers on the field, with Charlie’s father Glenn potentially running the water for the Bears.

CYMS play Blayney to finish the opening round of the season – one CYMS has been dominant throughout while the Bears have battled.

Charlie, though, believes last week’s first 40 minutes where the Bears led St Pat’s 18-10 has instilled some belief in the squad.

“It has been tough, but coming out of last week, that first half we played some good footy,” he said, Blayney falling 48-24 against the Bathurst club.

“We’ll see how it goes,” Charlie added. “But it’ll be physical.”

A physical clash between Blayney and CYMS isn’t new, but does Charlie have anything to worry about coming up against three older cousins?

“I told him he’s got to wear a cricket box,” James said, to which all four laughed. “There maybe a few Darwin coathangers.” 

Kick off is at 1.40pm at Blayney.