Roosters release Mortimer to Titans

The Roosters and Titans have confirmed the mid-season transfer of Daniel Mortimer from the reigning premiers to the NRL's newest club.

SYDNEY ROOSTERS MEDIA RELEASE

The Sydney Roosters have today announced that Daniel Mortimer has been granted an immediate release from his contract to join the Gold Coast Titans.

"It is with reluctance that the club grants this release, but we do so with the view that it is in the best interests of Daniel's long-term playing future. Daniel has a lot to offer the NRL, but unfortunately, he hasn't been able to secure more game time in our halves this year," saidSydney Roosters Chief Operating Officer Football, Brian Canavan.

"While it's sad to be leaving the Roosters, I'm looking forward to taking hold of this new opportunity," said Mortimer.

"I'm so grateful for my time here at the Roosters. I have so many great memories, especially last year. From Robbo and the coaching team, the players and all the staff, the Roosters have been like family and while I might be moving on, the club and everyone who's a part of it will always be special to me," he added.

Sydney Roosters Head Coach, Trent Robinson, said: "On the very first day I met Daniel when I returned to the club, I asked him to stay, and it speaks volumes of the type of man he is that he did, when he had other opportunities available to him.

"Daniel typifies the type of player we've been trying to build our team around, and while it's sad to see him go, I'm excited to see him pursue a more regular opportunity in the halves," said Robinson.

"Popular among his teammates and a valued contributor both on and off the field, the Roosters are certainly far better for the service Daniel has given our club. It has been an honour to coach him and he'll always have many friends here at the Roosters," he added.

GOLD COAST TITANS MEDIA RELEASE

Sydney Roosters grand final winning utility player Daniel Mortimer will join the iSelect Titans squad tomorrow after signing a contract for the rest of this season and 2015-16.

The Titans are appreciative that the Roosters have agreed to release the 25-year-old son of one of the famous Mortimer brothers of Canterbury fame in the 1980s, Peter. Mortimer said he is looking forward to taking on a new opportunity on the Gold Coast.

Mortimer played off the bench in the Roosters' premiership winning side after first forging his name with Parramatta, and has played 91 NRL games since his debut in 2009. He has played in grand finals for the Eels (2009) and Roosters.

"I'm so grateful for my time at the Roosters; I have so many great memories, especially last year," said Mortimer. "Everyone who's a part of the club will always be special to me.

Mortimer, who has played primarily off the bench as a hooker in his two seasons with the Roosters, has been signed as a halfback/five-eighth an area where the Titans have lost Aidan Sezer and now Beau Henry with long term injuries. Albert Kelly has also been out injured.

"Daniel is a quality player and a quality person with a good all-round game who has played in two grand finals and brings energy and experience to any team," said iSelect Titans coach John Cartwright.

"I see him as a genuine NRL player and a valuable addition to our squad in the halves."