It was a game that all Roosters fans, probably even all league neutrals wanted to see Daniel Mortimer go well in.
After a well documented, unusual rugby league journey, 'Morts' as he is affectionately known by his team mates finally got to throw the 7 on his back in the NRL against the Dogs.
All season Mortimer knew a lot of people would hinge the result of Friday nights match on his shoulders.
Thankfully, the man with the famous surname delivered, and then some.
The number seven was the leading hand in all but one of his teams tries on the night as he brilliantly marshalled his side around the ANZ Stadium turf.
"It was a massive effort from the boys and it was great to be a part of it," Mortimer said after the game.
"I definitely looked at this game at the start of the year and knew that it was one that I wanted to play in."
"To just be fit and ready was great and I haven't played 80 minutes in a while so that was good to get done."
Rumours swirled at the beginning of the season that Mortimer wanted out of the club, and it would be hard to blame him considering the proud New SOuth Welshman is more than capable of handling the playmaking duties at an NRL club.
This was an idea though that didn't sit well with incoming coach Trent Robinson who considers Mortimer an integral part of the clubs top 17 and it was a belief that immediately resonated with Morts.
"I was close to leaving the Club but then Robbo got here and I didn't know much about him but since he's been here its the only club I want to be at."
Music to the ears of all Roosters fans, especially after Friday night's effort.
So what are his thoughts on returning to the impact role he has handled so well this season?
"It was great to play halfback again and it gave me plenty of confidence but now I'm just ready to do my job again next week."
With that attitude it is not hard to see why the always smiling Morts is a fan favourite at Roosters HQ.
After a well documented, unusual rugby league journey, 'Morts' as he is affectionately known by his team mates finally got to throw the 7 on his back in the NRL against the Dogs.
All season Mortimer knew a lot of people would hinge the result of Friday nights match on his shoulders.
Thankfully, the man with the famous surname delivered, and then some.
The number seven was the leading hand in all but one of his teams tries on the night as he brilliantly marshalled his side around the ANZ Stadium turf.
"It was a massive effort from the boys and it was great to be a part of it," Mortimer said after the game.
"I definitely looked at this game at the start of the year and knew that it was one that I wanted to play in."
"To just be fit and ready was great and I haven't played 80 minutes in a while so that was good to get done."
Rumours swirled at the beginning of the season that Mortimer wanted out of the club, and it would be hard to blame him considering the proud New SOuth Welshman is more than capable of handling the playmaking duties at an NRL club.
This was an idea though that didn't sit well with incoming coach Trent Robinson who considers Mortimer an integral part of the clubs top 17 and it was a belief that immediately resonated with Morts.
"I was close to leaving the Club but then Robbo got here and I didn't know much about him but since he's been here its the only club I want to be at."
Music to the ears of all Roosters fans, especially after Friday night's effort.
So what are his thoughts on returning to the impact role he has handled so well this season?
"It was great to play halfback again and it gave me plenty of confidence but now I'm just ready to do my job again next week."
With that attitude it is not hard to see why the always smiling Morts is a fan favourite at Roosters HQ.
