The legendary halfback, known as a Canterbury Bulldogs and NSW Blues icon, is receiving an outpouring of sympathy from NRL fans following heartbreaking updates about his ongoing health battle. Steve Mortimer, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2021, is now living in a care facility as his condition continues to deteriorate.
At 68, Mortimer’s impact on rugby league remains monumental. He played 272 games for the Bulldogs, securing four premiership titles and captaining the side to back-to-back championships in 1984 and 1985. He also represented New South Wales in 16 State of Origin matches and donned the green and gold for Australia in nine Test matches.
Perhaps most memorably, Mortimer led NSW to their first Origin series win in 1985. Unfortunately, he has been contending with the effects of dementia for nearly ten years. His family has now offered a painful glimpse into his current condition, four years after the diagnosis became public.
Despite the Bulldogs sitting atop the NRL ladder after 12 rounds in the 2025 season, Mortimer’s son Andrew expressed uncertainty about whether his father is aware of the team’s success. “It’s a shame because they’re doing so well,” Andrew told the Daily Telegraph.
Andrew explained that his father struggles with verbal communication and is clearly declining. “I don’t know if dad is trying to say something but can’t get the words out, or if the thoughts just aren’t there anymore. There’s not much conversation anymore, sadly,” he said.
“He’s declining slowly. People who haven’t seen him in a while would notice a big difference. He seems calm and perhaps unaware of the full reality. At this stage, he’s more of an observer of life than a participant. With dementia, there’s no recovery—our focus is on making sure his quality of life is as good as it can be. We try to focus on what he can do, not what he can’t.”
Mortimer was moved into a specialist dementia unit in 2022, and his family continues to visit him frequently. They often take him out, including to watch rugby league games, maintaining a connection to the sport he helped shape. The sad update comes as fans commemorate the 40th anniversary of Mortimer’s iconic 1985 Origin win.
Supporters and commentators have filled social media with heartfelt tributes. Commentator Arthur Stanley reflected, “I worked alongside Steve during his time as Ambassador at Stadium Australia. A genuinely good man.”
One Bulldogs supporter wrote, “Turvey is why I’m a Bulldogs fan. It’s comforting to know he’s surrounded by love.” Another added, “Such a lovely man. I met him a couple of times—devastating to see this happening. Dementia is a cruel disease.”
An opposing fan shared, “I always admired Steve Mortimer, even as a rival supporter. His family’s love and strength during this difficult time is deeply moving.”
