Much to the delight of new player-coach Dom Maley, Tim Mortimer will once again don the green and gold of Orange CYMS after committing to return to his junior club for the 2019 Group 10 Rugby League season.
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After a year mentoring the Blayney Bears – a season in which they scored their first win in almost two years – the skillful utility is expected to slot straight back into CYMS’ pack, but Maley says his leadership will be just as important as his performances.
With the grand canyon-sized hole Mick Sullivan has left – figuratively, of course – having a senior player of Mortimer’s experience will be an invaluable sounding board for Maley in his bid to continue the work of Group 10’s most-successful captain-coach.
Prior to his stint at the Bears Mortimer led Orange Hawks to the 2013 grand final, where they were beaten by CYMS, and he also won coach of the year that season. Of course, in his younger years, he also spent time in Parramatta’s lower grades and in France too.
“[Mortimer’s] always had that ability (to lead), he’s captain-coached a couple of times and I’m hoping working with him will help me out,” Maley explained.
“The club’s very happy to have him back on board, informally he’ll probably do a little bit (of coaching).”
That probably won’t be restricted to premier league either, considering his friendship with under-18 coach Ben McAlpine – who’s returning to the club from Oberon – Mortimer’s knowledge could be valuable for the club’s burgeoning stars too.
More than anything, Maley says he’s looking forward to rekindling his combination with his long-time friend and colleague – both are teachers at James Sheahan Catholic High School.
Mortimer has had his issues with injury – including missing the 2015 grand final – but that’s not a worry for Maley, who says if his boom recruit stays fit there’s no reason he can’t return to the kind of form that had him named the competition’s most influential player in Fairfax Media’s 2015 poll.
“He’s one of those ones who get better with age,” Maley said.
“He played lock last time he played with CYMS and he was one of the best in the competition, he plays like a prop but he’s also good with ball play and he can be creative towards the ends of sets.”
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Max Stainkamph
Max joined the CWD in September 2017, leaving the big smoke of Melbourne to come to Orange, where he stayed until 2020.
Max joined the CWD in September 2017, leaving the big smoke of Melbourne to come to Orange, where he stayed until 2020.
