Chris Mortimer

Chris Mortimer

Personal information
Born	19 August 1959 (1959-08-19) (age 52) Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
Playing information
Position	Centre, Five-eighth, Wing
Club
Years	Team	Pld	T	G	FG	P
1978–1987	Canterbury-Bankstown	191	29	29	1	161
1988–1990	Penrith Panthers	59	6	12	0	48
	Total	250	35	41	1	209
Representative
Years	Team	Pld	T	G	FG	P
1984–1989	New South Wales	9	1	0	0	4
1986	Australia	1	1	0	0	4
1987–1989	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 0909558833. 
2. ^ "Mortimer, Peter". Sporting Hall of Fame. Museum of the Riverina. http://www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/museum/index.aspx?item=shof&sub=browse&cat=museum_shof&article=6MRR61U2EFWDQXKR8GZH. Retrieved 2007-04-26. ^{[dead link]}
3. ^ It's an Honour - Australia Celebrating Australians

See also

• Mortimer brothers

Persondata
Name	Mortimer, Chris
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	19 August 1959
Place of birth	Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
Date of death
Place of death