Steve Mortimer

Born in Wagga Wagga, Steve Mortimer made his name as a junior at Turvey Park, the club that would provide a nickname for the future Australian halfback.

Mortimer played eight Tests for his country and made 16 appearances for New South Wales in the 1980s, when he was recognised for putting passion into the Blues jersey.

Along with brothers Chris and Peter, Steve formed the backbone of the Canterbury-Bankstown rugby league club in the 1980s.

The Mortimers and Hughes brothers (Graeme, Garry and Mark) were a major ingredient behind the Bulldogs' success and its reputation as ''the family club''.

During a sparkling period of eight years, Canterbury won four premierships and reached six grand finals. Mortimer was instrumental in this success, captaining the side to back-to-back titles in 1984 and 1985.

In an era of great halfbacks, Mortimer and Parramatta's Peter Sterling emerged as the outstanding playmakers in the game.

Mortimer tormented defenders with his electric running, especially around the scrums. His trademark was a chip-kick and regather — a move that frequently resulted in tries to himself or five-eighth Terry Lamb.

Despite his diminutive stature, Mortimer was admired for copybook tackling around the ankles of much bigger opponents.

Mortimer has served the Bulldogs as an administrator following a 272-game career that marked him one of the club's greats.