PREMIERSHIP-winning Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan believes central west product Daniel Mortimer can play a key role in his side’s NRL title defence in 2017.
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The Sharks signed Gold Coast utility Mortimer as the replacement for veteran hooker Michael Ennis, who retired after last month’s grand final triumph over Melbourne Storm.
Ennis aside the Sharks have retained the same side that broke a 50-year title drought.
Wests Tigers had also considered making a play for Mortimer but the Sharks got their man.
Flanagan is adamant securing the services of the former Orange junior will fill both the void left by Ennis and other holes in his playing roster.
“I think Dan was close to going to going to a couple of Sydney clubs, but we decided he would be a good fit for us,” Flanagan said.
“He is experienced and we needed a back-up half, so Dan fits that bill perfectly.”
Mortimer only played seven games in 2016 due to a hamstring injury.
