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AS a kid, Daniel Mortimer would run around the Belmore Oval bar and stare at the Bulldogs memorabilia hanging from the walls.
It was at that famous ground where his father Peter and uncles Steve and Chris became Bulldog legends.
Today, Daniel Mortimer will return to Belmore hoping he can take the first step towards salvaging his career with the Roosters.
Determined to re-establish his NRL career after falling out of favour at Parramatta, Mortimer will come up against his dad's former team when the Dogs return to Belmore for the first time since 1998.
And coach Brian Smith is set to trial the former grand final five-eighth in the unfamiliar role of fullback.
"It's a historic stadium for my dad and I feel absolutely privileged to play one of the first games back there," Mortimer said.
"This weekend, running out in front of a packed stadium, will just be unbelievable."
After being dropped from the Eels' first grade squad last season, Mortimer was released before being offered a lifeline at the Roosters.
Despite spending most of his time in the halves, the 22-year-old has been forced to alter his game at the Roosters.
"I never really saw myself as a fullback," Mortimer said.
"I played one game there for the Australian Schoolboys when Lachlan Coote had to go back and play the Panthers' junior grade grand final. But the more I am training there, the more I am warming to the role."
Mortimer has worked closely with last year's Origin fullback Anthony Minichiello over the summer to acclimatise to the position.
"I have been asking Mini for some pointers and he has been really good in giving me some advice in where to be and how to deal with it," Mortimer said.
"The change has been enjoyable. There are fresh faces and new people. It kind of feels likes I've just come up from the country again.
"You are in a new place, you want to impress everyone, you want to show everyone what you are made of."
That includes his father, who will be the one watching from the bar in the Belmore grandstand.
It was at that famous ground where his father Peter and uncles Steve and Chris became Bulldog legends.
Today, Daniel Mortimer will return to Belmore hoping he can take the first step towards salvaging his career with the Roosters.
Determined to re-establish his NRL career after falling out of favour at Parramatta, Mortimer will come up against his dad's former team when the Dogs return to Belmore for the first time since 1998.
And coach Brian Smith is set to trial the former grand final five-eighth in the unfamiliar role of fullback.
"It's a historic stadium for my dad and I feel absolutely privileged to play one of the first games back there," Mortimer said.
"This weekend, running out in front of a packed stadium, will just be unbelievable."
After being dropped from the Eels' first grade squad last season, Mortimer was released before being offered a lifeline at the Roosters.
Despite spending most of his time in the halves, the 22-year-old has been forced to alter his game at the Roosters.
"I never really saw myself as a fullback," Mortimer said.
"I played one game there for the Australian Schoolboys when Lachlan Coote had to go back and play the Panthers' junior grade grand final. But the more I am training there, the more I am warming to the role."
Mortimer has worked closely with last year's Origin fullback Anthony Minichiello over the summer to acclimatise to the position.
"I have been asking Mini for some pointers and he has been really good in giving me some advice in where to be and how to deal with it," Mortimer said.
"The change has been enjoyable. There are fresh faces and new people. It kind of feels likes I've just come up from the country again.
"You are in a new place, you want to impress everyone, you want to show everyone what you are made of."
That includes his father, who will be the one watching from the bar in the Belmore grandstand.
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