Chris Mortimer

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Chris Mortimer
Personal information
Born (1959-08-19) 19 August 1959
Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
Playing information
Position Centre, Five-eighth, Wing
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1978–87 Canterbury-Bankstown 191 29 29 1 161
1988–90 Penrith Panthers 59 6 12 0 48
Total 250 35 41 1 209
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1984–89 New South Wales 9 1 0 0 4
1986 Australia 1 1 0 0 4
1987–89 Country Origin 2 0 0 0 0
As of 3 October 2010
Source: RLP Yesterday's Hero

Chris Mortimer (born 19 August 1958[1] in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales[2]) is an Australian former professional rugby league player for the Canterbury Bulldogs, Penrith Panthers, New South Wales and for the Australian national side.

Chris Mortimer was the youngest of the three famous brothers to play for Canterbury during the late 1970s and 1980s. Glen Mortimer the 4th brother played 26 first grade games for Cronulla between 1983-87 after starting out in the Bulldogs lower grades.

Mortimer played 192 first grade games for Canterbury between 1978-87. He was a member of the Canterbury Premiership winning teams in 1980, 1984 and 1985 and played in Canterbury's Grand Final losses in 1979 and 1986.

Mortimer played for Penrith between 1988–90 and his final game for the Panthers was in the 1990 Grand Final and has long been regarded as the best and most important signing made by Penrith.

Mortimer also enjoyed success at representative level playing eight matches for NSW in 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1986. Mortimer played one Test against Papua New Guinea in 1986 and was a member of the undefeated Kangaroo Tour squad. His toughness, steel and defence were all very important during NSW's State of Origin series victories in 1985-86 with the 1985 triumph captained by brother Steve.

Regarded as one of the toughest centres during his career, Mortimer enjoyed great success against champions such as Michael Cronin, Mal Meninga and Gene Miles in the big matches.

Chris and his two older brothers Steve Mortimer and Peter Mortimer played in four Grand Finals together. Peter was a non-playing reserve in 1986 due to injury and only Steve was around when the 1988 Grand Final was played. No pair of brothers, yet alone trio of brothers have played in four Grand Finals together in the last 30 years. Steve and Chris ended up playing in five Grand Finals together. All three Mortimer brothers are Life Members of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Football Club.

After retirement Chris Mortimer has kept a low profile in the game whereas brothers Steve and Peter have had stints in Administration.

On 24 October 2000, Chris Mortimer was recipient of Australian Sports Medal.[3]

References

  1. ↑ Gary Lester (editor) (1983). The Sun Book of Rugby League - 1983. Sydney, New South Wales: John Fairfax Marketing. pp. page 30. ISBN 0-909558-83-3. 
  2. ↑ "Mortimer, Peter". Sporting Hall of Fame. Museum of the Riverina. Retrieved 2007-04-26. 
  3. ↑ It's an Honour - Australia Celebrating Australians

See also

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs squad – 1984 NSWRL Premiers (4th Title)
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs squad – 1985 NSWRL Premiers (5th Title)
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