Daniel Mortimer to hunt title defence with Cronulla Sharks

Premiership-winning Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan believes Daniel Mortimer can play a key role in his side’s NRL title defence in 2017.

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.

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.”