David Klemmer says Bulldogs players owe it to Des Hasler to perform in 2017

CANTERBURY enforcer David Klemmer says Bulldogs players owe it to coach Des Hasler to perform after he was shocked to learn his mentor was under pressure to retain his position.

Klemmer was one of the Bulldogs best in their indifferent 2016 season.

CANTERBURY enforcer David Klemmer says Bulldogs players owe it to coach Des Hasler to perform after he was shocked to learn his mentor was under pressure to retain his position.

Klemmer has kept a close eye on the Bulldogs drama despite being in England with the Kangaroos. As his teammates returned to training last week, Klemmer has called on the Bulldogs side to rally behind Hasler, who faces an uncertain future at the club beyond next year.

“I was in Perth when it was all happening,” Klemmer said. “I was a bit shocked. It’s back on the playing group. It’s not just Des. It’s us as well.

Klemmer was a consistent performer in a listless season for the Dogs.

“He give us all the tools to perform, we weren’t winning games. We’ve got to come back next year and start firing. He has given us all the structures for us to win games and we’re not performing.”

Klemmer last spoke to Hasler after learning of his Kangaroos selection last month. He said Hasler was in a positive frame of mind and had not let on of any scrutiny surrounding his own position.

“Dessie rang me up when I made the team,” Klemmer said. “He sounded pretty happy. I haven’t spoken to anyone about it. There’s not much I can say, it’s between the club and him.”

Klemmer signed on with the Bulldogs earlier this year until the end of 2020 with the intentions of playing under Hasler. He is the only coach Klemmer has had since his first grade career started in 2013.

DEBUT: The sacrifice behind O’Neill’s debut

SKIPPER: Inglis wants to lead Australia

Klemmer said he and his teammates had to shut-out any outside noise in a bid to ensure their 2017 campaign is not derailed.

“We’ve got to come together next year,” Klemmer said. “No matter what people say about our team.

“We have to perform for us, for our teammates and the club. It’s something we need to do and come together. We need to get down and get dirty.

“We were in most games except two. We’d end up losing it in the second half. We have to finish games better.”

Originally published as David Klemmer says Bulldogs players owe it to Des Hasler to perform in 2017