Dan’s the man as fans rally for club
GOLD Coast Titans halfback Daniel Mortimer says he is finally feeling the love from his adopted home city.
The 25-year-old utility, who joined the Titans at the tailend of 2014, said he had never felt so much support from fans and the community than the past few weeks.
In the wake of a drug scandal and financial woes surrounding their team, fans have united to show their support for the embattled NRL club.
The Bulletin has also campaigned for the club, offering a free ticket to the first home game for any fan who signs up for the new Full House membership.
“Since my time here I haven’t felt the support like I have these past two weeks,” Mortimer said.
“Sometimes it takes something like this to really get the best from the fans and the people in the community.
“I have really felt the support the last few weeks and fingers crossed that carries over this weekend and we get a good crowd.”
The Titans will be forced to name an understrength side for their Round 1 clash with Wests Tigers on Saturday night with up to six debutants expected to start.
The team will be missing State of Origin duo Greg Bird and David Taylor along with 2014 player of the year Beau Falloon, who have been stood down indefinitely as a result of cocaine charges.
Mortimer admitted the offfield dramas, including a move to their new training ground at Pizzey Park, has been a distraction for the team.
“There is no doubt that ... with the previous week it has been distracting,” he said.
“Especially when teammates you train with every day are affected.
‘‘But we can only control how we perform and how we train. Which is what we’ve been doing.”
Mortimer will pair up with five-eighth Aidan Sezer in the halves and said he was feeling confident after a gruelling preseason.