Former Australian, NSW and Canterbury legend Steve Mortimer has been admitted to a care home for a short period of time as he continues to battle dementia.

As reported by Roy Masters in The Sydney Morning Herald on Wednesday, Mortimer has been recently with other setbacks such as a heart attack, bronchitis and pneumonia.

“He is struggling in his mind, but he’s not locked up,” Peter told Masters.

A week in traction and a car crash before kick-off couldn’t keep Johnny Raper off the field for the 1967 preliminary final against Canterbury

“He’s not a prisoner. He’s in a nursing home for a week of observation. It’s high-level care.”

Mortimer played 9 games for Australia, 16 for NSW and won premierships with his beloved Bulldogs.