Mercurial halfback came to Canterbury from Wagga in 1976 and became an inspirational captain at club and state level. However, Steve ‘Turvey' Mortimer had a poor debut for NSW in 1977 and it was another four years before he was to stake his claim as the game's premier rep halfback.
Steve made his Australian debut in 1981 and played in eight Test matches against France, New Zealand and England, enjoying thirteen years at the top level of Rugby league.
- Status: Pending1988Retired from Rugby League having played 272 games for the Bulldogs.
- Status: Pending2000Recipient of the Australian Sports Medal.
- Status: Pending2007Inducted Ring of Champions (Hall of Fame),Canterbury Bankstown Football Club.
- Status: Pending2008Recognised as Rugby League Centurion (named in the list of Australia's 100 Greatest Players).
Beginnings
Steve was born in Yagoona. Steve and his family moved to Wagga Wagga in 1961 to escape the humidity and pollution of Sydney in an attempt to help Steve's asthma. Steve attended Kooringal Primary and in 1974 while at Mt. Austin High Steve was awarded Sportsman of the year and the Blue for Rugby League.
In 1976 Steve joined Canterbury-Bankstown and first represented NSW in 1977. While at Canterbury Steve would attend Hawkesbury Agricultural College and gained his Bachelor of Science Degree
Achievements
He played 15 games for NSW between 1977 and 1985 and would become Captain of NSW, leading the Blues to their first State of Origin victory.
Post Representation
Steve runs sales and marketing for Commercial Alliance in security, employment & training. He is also a Director of ANZ Stadium, the Canterbury Leagues Club and is the NRL commentator for Foxtel's Sky News.