NRL: Mortimer re-signs with Eels

Five-eighth Daniel Mortimer has re-signed with Parramatta until at least the end of 2012. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - Daniel Mortimer has put NRL club loyalty ahead of family ties, sticking with Parramatta until at least the end of 2012.

Rising star Mortimer, whose famous surname has been linked with Canterbury since the 1980s, has signed a contract with the Eels for 2011-12 with an option on the following year.

The 20-year-old chose to stick with the club which signed him as a schoolboy for a reported A$500,000 ($644,015), knocking back an offer from the Canterbury club his father Peter and uncles Steve and Chris played for in a golden era for the Bulldogs.

Mortimer said he only made the decision on Sunday after getting away to the family's home town of Wagga Wagga.

"It was a tough decision," Mortimer said.

"I grew up supporting the Bulldogs but I came up through the Eels. They've been a great club. They have nurtured me right through to first grade. So I am an Eels boy."

He said being a part of the Eels' fairytale run last season had been a factor in his decision.

"The last 12 months have been a dream and that's another reason why I have decided to stay," he said.

"It would have been silly to leave.

"I'm really looking forward to the next three years."

Mortimer is widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the game after his breakthrough season in 2009 where he played 18 matches for the Eels on their way to last year's grand final, where the club lost to Melbourne 23-16.

The news comes as a huge boost for the Eels ahead of their blockbuster NRL season opener against St George Illawarra on Friday night.

Eels CEO Paul Osborne said Mortimer's decision was a vote of confidence for the club.

"This is terrific news for the club and it is an acknowledgement of the direction we're going in," Osborne said.

"I think Daniel will be among some of the great players to have been at this club due to his attitude off the field, as well as on.

"To keep Daniel at the club has been the best possible start to the year we could hope for."

Coach Daniel Anderson said Mortimer would provide stability in the Eels halves.

"He is an integral part of this team and club, and at such a young age there is a lot of growth left in him," Anderson said.

"We will see even more of Daniel's ability in the next two years and that is exciting for us as a club, and no doubt for the members and fans who will watch him every week.

- AAP