David Klemmer says it’s a ‘different vibe’ at the Bulldogs since the hiring of new coach Dean Pay

AFTER a draining NRL season, David Klemmer is ready for Canterbury’s ‘different vibe’ under a new coach and has his sights set on World Cup glory.

DAVID Klemmer says the look on his Canterbury teammates’ faces at the end of the season was all he needed to realise just how drained the playing group was.

As much as they had tried to shut-out speculation regarding their futures because of salary cap overspending and uncertainty regarding Des Hasler’s future, it was obvious players were impacted.

Klemmer said he had no doubt the constant innuendo had plagued the squad this year.

Klemmer is hoping to taste some success with Australia. (AAP Image/NRL)

“Mentally we said as a group it wouldn’t affect us but when you saw when the season finished just how blokes were mentally,” Klemmer said.

“How things were, it does take its toll. It’s a scary business. People come straight out of high school and nothing to lean on. Even though you can earn a good wage not everyone can earn that wage. It takes its toll on the playing group.

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“It was the biggest rollercoaster I’ve had in my career. We were trying to win games, we were trying too hard. We were always in the fight. We couldn’t finish games off.”

The decision to axe Hasler and replace him with Dean Pay will give the Bulldogs a “different vibe” according to Klemmer. He was yet to speak with his former coach while holidays had Kangaroos selection meant he had not had an opportunity to catch up with Pay.

“I spoke to Des after the season finished but a couple of days later (he was sacked),” Klemmer said. “He is having time to himself and reflecting on what needs to be done and having some family time. “He is a good coach. I’ve spoken to Deano on the phone. I’ve known him for a while.

“The club has shaken it up. It’s going to be a different vibe. It’s been hard watching semi-final football and the grand final. It was frustrating.

“It was the first time in five years I’ve missed out on the finals. It makes you want to work harder.”

The firebrand prop has joined the rest of the Australian squad in Fiji ahead of their pre-World Cup hitout against Fiji and PNG on Saturday.

Klemmer has three goals to achieve in his rugby league career.

“Win a premiership, win an Origin series and win a World Cup,” Klemmer said. “I haven’t done any of those yet. I need to tick it off my bucket list. If I’m in the 17 I’m happy. Even just being part of this group, and helping to win a World Cup would be awesome.”

Originally published as David Klemmer says it’s a ‘different vibe’ at the Bulldogs since the hiring of new coach Dean Pay