Players aren't allowed a rugby league childhood, as it were.

Daniel Mortimer is a late starter.

Fans who saw Mortimer create the winning try in Parramatta's 20-18 win over Newcastle on Sunday mightn't consider him a Daniel-come-lately.

They might describe him as another early-maturing Toyota Cup graduate. But Mortimer sees himself as a late starter, and that's important.

He could have fallen victim to the Don Bradman's son syndrome.

The concentration has always been on his famous surname.

Son of Bulldog stalwart Peter, nephew of Bulldog legend Steve, nephew of Bulldog stalwart Chris.

That's a burden for any aspiring footballer; he has carried it lightly and explained why.

``I had three older brothers playing and at five I thought I'd give it a go,'' he said of his early start in Orange, where his father runs a vineyard, adding dad had never pressured him to play.

``I loved it.''

Success was gradual in his own mind.

``I made a representative team at 15, then I was picked in a team to tour England and France,'' he said.

``I thought `I might make a go of this' and started to take it seriously.''

Par ramatta took a serious look at him.

The rest has hardly been history but it has been the start of a now-serious career.

``I don't see it as a burden,'' he said of the family history.

``If I don't make it, it will be because I'm not good enough.''

Mortimer said he enjoyed the days of his famous forebears. ``The Bulldogs send dad old videos of the '80s and I love to get them out and look at highlights,'' he said.

Mortimer has another protection a life away from football.

He's in the second year of a university physical education degree.

``Teaching's something I want to do,'' he said.

``You've got to get away from footy.

``I love it but it can do your head in a bit if you don't.''

Mortimer's three older brothers still play.

Two are with Wentworthville and the other is on the South Coast.

There is no discrimination.

On Sunday, mum and dad had planned to be at Ringrose Park to watch the Mortimer Magpies.

In Newcastle, Daniel was just another Mortimer, although fans might have concluded they weren't watching just another player.