Steve Mortimer

According to many, Steve Mortimer (Bulldog no.413) was destined to play his entire first-grade career as a Bulldog. 

After playing his junior league in Turvey Park, Wagga Wagga (where his nickname would derive), Mortimer's first-class debut ironically, came against Canterbury in the 1975 AMCO Cup.  

A last-minute replacement at halfback for Riverina, Mortimer's man of the match performance was so impressive that Club supremo Peter Moore correctly predicted that he "will never play against Canterbury-Bankstown ever again". 

Joining the Club the following season, the clever halfback owned the Bulldogs' no.7 jersey for thirteen seasons, proving to be the backbone of the side alongside brothers Peter and Chris through an unparalleled era of success.

A threatening runner of the ball with a penchant for the elusive chip and regather, which resulted in tries more often than not, Mortimer formed an unbreakable combination alongside five-eighth Terry Lamb. 

He was also renowned for this prowess on the opposite side of the ball, notorious as a cover defender with his copybook tackling that more often than not felled opponents twice his size. 

His impact on the competition was immediately acknowledged by selectors, earning his first start for NSW in 1977, where he would total 15 appearances in sky blue and famously captain the Blues to their first State of Origin series win in 1985. 

After falling short in 1978 and 1979, Mortimer was a key figure in the Bulldogs' drought-breaking Premiership victory in 1980 against Eastern Suburbs. 

He was rewarded for his strong performances in 1981 after appearing in every match for Canterbury-Bankstown with Test selection, before going on to become a member of the 'Invincibles' on the 1982 Kangaroo Tour. 

In mid-1984, Head Coach Warren Ryan bestowed Mortimer with the Bulldogs' captaincy, a role he would thrive in over the next four seasons.

Commanding 'The Dogs of War', the clever playmaker shone through the mid-1980s, leading the side to consecutive Premiership victories in 1984 and 1985 in arguably the finest moments of his career. 

While injury threatened to derail his career, 'Turvey' bounced back from a broken arm in 1988 to take his place in the Grand Final victory against Balmain as a replacement, in a fitting end for one of the greatest Bulldogs.

At year's end he was bestowed with Life Member of the Football Club, while his contributions to the Club would go beyond the playing field, taking up roles as Chief Executive from 2002 to 2004 and a member of the Football Club Board from 2014-2019. 

In 2004, Mortimer was named Halfback of the Berries to Bulldogs 70 Year Team of Champions.

On April 1, 2007, he was inducted into the Bulldogs Ring of Champions and on February 22, 2008, named in the 100 Greatest Players as part of the NRL's Centenary celebrations.

On August 1, 2015, Mortimer was inducted in the Canterbury-Bankstown Hall of Fame as part of the Club's 80th Year celebrations.

“He’s up there with the best of them … the Phar Lap of football.”

Warren Ryan Former Bulldogs Coach