It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for David Klemmer, but the veteran big man is excited to put everything behind him and pull on the Red V for the first time against Melbourne on Saturday at Jubilee.
The 31-year-old comes to the club with a resumé that stacks up against all the great front rowers of the NRL era – 238 NRL games, 19 Tests, 14 Origins, a World Cup title and a Brad Fittler Medal.
Joining a new club several weeks into the season comes with its challenges but Klemmer has enjoyed the short time he has spent under Shane Flanagan.
“It’s been very settling getting into a new environment and the boys have been very welcoming as well,” he said.
“They’ve really welcomed me in open arms, and it’s made the transition very easy. It’s been good. It was tough last week with the way I think Flano was pretty angry, so we were all getting in and getting some work done and getting ready for a big week at Kogarah this week.”
Klemmer has won an Origin series alongside Damien Cook and Jack de Belin and wore the green-and-gold next to Valentine Holmes when the Kangaroos won the 2017 World Cup.
The proposition of linking up with some old friends whilst crafting his relationship with new teammates has helped reinvigorate Klemmer in a way.
“I’ve played with Cookie and Val in the past and played a lot against Gutho. There are some quality players here,” he said.
“I’m also excited to play with guys like big Moses Suli and Jaydn Su’A. There are some big names at the club and I’m just excited to be here in this environment.”
Klemmer has had his battles with the Dragons over the years as a member of the Bulldogs, Knights, and Wests Tigers but is looking forward to being on the other side of the line this time around.
“It’s crazy to think I’m here. The club’s got such a rich history; it’s a very respected club,” he said.
“When I do get the opportunity, I just want to go out there and have a go and rip in. I know whatever the boys want me to do, I’ll put my hand up. I want to bring good energy, be a good person, and be a good leader here. I want to just have a crack and contest every week.”
He has already taken note of the young talent amongst the club’s ranks including the likes of Gerringong rookies Hamish Stewart and Dylan Egan who have been named alongside him on the interchange this week.
“The young guys have got some big raps. I’ve seen a bit on the field,” he said.
“We’ve got some talented young kids coming through and it’s good to see. They’re the next crop and they’re competing hard. They’re keeping the energy alive for the boys and competing really hard as well.”
