Star signing David Klemmer says the attraction of a “pretty special roster” and a great lifestyle to bring up a young family in Newcastle was the catalyst for his decision to link with the Knights on a lucrative five-year deal.
King of the kids: David Klemmer with coach Nathan Brown and his boys Cooper, left, and Jackson.
And it has the Kangaroos prop primed to lead the clubs charge towards the NRL finals next season.
In one of the most significant recruitment coups in the Knights history, a beaming Klemmer could barely hide his excitement as he spoke of what lies ahead for the Knights and the relief at having his future settled after months of speculation.
He firmly believes the Knights are ready to take their game to another level and with their young roster, wants to be the one to help “make them believe in themselves”. The roster is pretty special,” he said. “Its a young squad but they are coming to that stage of their careers where theyve got a couple of years of experience playing first grade and are ready to go to another level. Im just going to do my best for the team and just be around the boys and make them believe in themselves.
The significance of Klemmers $4.3 million signing cant be understated. The former Bulldog doesnt turn 25 until later next month but has already played 17 Tests for his country and featured in the past four Origin series for the NSW Blues.
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He is only the second current international signed by the club in their history (the other was Darius Boyd) and it is no secret Knights coach Nathan Brown had made it a priority to land a big fish up front.
“His age is probably perfect at 25 – his best years are ahead of him,” Brown said.
What Klem brings is size, a big presence both on the field and at training and someone who is going to lead the way for us. Hes been playing Origin and grand finals and Tests for a good solid period now so his influence on the rest of the younger players in particular can be quite good.”
Knights CEO Phil Gardner said he can see Klemmer leading the club up front for the next decade. “He is the sort of character we need in our club. He is the forward leader we have wanted for a long period of time,” Gardner said.
“Davids signed for five years. We hope hell be a 10-year player for the club. The rebirth of the Knights after the Tinkler era and the NRL era is now well and truly underway and we are really excited about the roster.”
Klemmer said his decision to seek a release from the Bulldogs with two years left on his contract was nothing to do with money and all about wanting a better life for his young family.
Its really appealing to come up here [to Newcastle] and raise a family. Im a kid from western Sydney,” he said. I just think it was a great opportunity. Im at the right age, especially with my kids being young and starting school, its the perfect time for them to come up here and get settled.”
Star signing David Klemmer says the attraction of a “pretty special roster” and a great lifestyle to bring up a young family in Newcastle was the catalyst for his decision to link with the Knights on a lucrative five-year deal.
King of the kids: David Klemmer with coach Nathan Brown and his boys Cooper, left, and Jackson.
And it has the Kangaroos prop primed to lead the clubs charge towards the NRL finals next season.
In one of the most significant recruitment coups in the Knights history, a beaming Klemmer could barely hide his excitement as he spoke of what lies ahead for the Knights and the relief at having his future settled after months of speculation.
He firmly believes the Knights are ready to take their game to another level and with their young roster, wants to be the one to help “make them believe in themselves”. The roster is pretty special,” he said. “Its a young squad but they are coming to that stage of their careers where theyve got a couple of years of experience playing first grade and are ready to go to another level. Im just going to do my best for the team and just be around the boys and make them believe in themselves.
The significance of Klemmers $4.3 million signing cant be understated. The former Bulldog doesnt turn 25 until later next month but has already played 17 Tests for his country and featured in the past four Origin series for the NSW Blues.
Advertisement
He is only the second current international signed by the club in their history (the other was Darius Boyd) and it is no secret Knights coach Nathan Brown had made it a priority to land a big fish up front.
“His age is probably perfect at 25 – his best years are ahead of him,” Brown said.
What Klem brings is size, a big presence both on the field and at training and someone who is going to lead the way for us. Hes been playing Origin and grand finals and Tests for a good solid period now so his influence on the rest of the younger players in particular can be quite good.”
Knights CEO Phil Gardner said he can see Klemmer leading the club up front for the next decade. “He is the sort of character we need in our club. He is the forward leader we have wanted for a long period of time,” Gardner said.
“Davids signed for five years. We hope hell be a 10-year player for the club. The rebirth of the Knights after the Tinkler era and the NRL era is now well and truly underway and we are really excited about the roster.”
Klemmer said his decision to seek a release from the Bulldogs with two years left on his contract was nothing to do with money and all about wanting a better life for his young family.
Its really appealing to come up here [to Newcastle] and raise a family. Im a kid from western Sydney,” he said. I just think it was a great opportunity. Im at the right age, especially with my kids being young and starting school, its the perfect time for them to come up here and get settled.”
