‘Emotions get really high’: David Klemmer weighs in on tunnel scuffle between Brandon Wakeham and Josh Aloiai

Wests Tigers prop David Klemmer insists the team has moved on from last week’s scuffle between Brandon Wakeham and Manly’s Josh Aloiai and denied there is tension between teammates.

Brandon Wakeham was in the thick of things in a fiery clash between the Tigers and Manly. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

David Klemmer blamed in the moment “emotions” rather than deep-seated animosity for Sunday’s dramatic scuffle in the tunnel at Campbelltown Stadium following the Tigers’ loss to the Sea Eagles.

Tensions reached boiling point as Tigers half Brandon Wakeham and Manly forward Josh Aloiai had to be separated after exchanging words in the wake of Manly’s 22-16 win.

Aloiai was standing up for debutant Samuela Fainu, who missed a tackle on Starford Toa while playing out of position in the centres. Toa’s four-pointer put the Tigers ahead 16-14 as Tim Sheens’ side searched for their first win of 2023.

A scuffle broke out after Wakeham dished out some verbals in Fainu’s direction immediately after the try. Aloiai was later overheard telling Wakeham that he’d “gone too far”.

In audio that was released later, Wakeham can be heard telling referee Todd Smith that Fainu spat at him.

Josh Aloiai (pictured) and Brandon Wakeham had to be separated in the Campbelltown Stadium tunnel. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Complicating matters is the fact that Fainu’s brother, Sione, plays reserve grade for Wests Magpies, and has played three matches alongside Wakeham this year.

But, Klemmer – who is no stranger to a mid-match altercation himself – says it’s all water under the bridge.

“There was a bit of argy bargy on the field a couple of times, but I didn’t see too much of it happening – I heard about it after,” Klemmer said on Wednesday.

“Obviously I’ve been in a few, and those things happen. Your emotions get really high and after a game of footy, it’s done.

“Wakey was done with it and I think Josh was done with it … well I hope so.”

Wakeham declined to make a formal complaint after his spitting allegations, and a video review failed to find any evidence of it.

Despite the intense interest in the story in the days following the incident, Klemmer says it’s not something the Tigers have spoken about in-house, adding that Wakeham and the Fainu family “are sweet.”

“They know each other’s family, they went to school with each other at Westfield Sports High, so there’s no malice between them,” he said.

“Just a bit of banter, and Josh was trying to stick up for his teammate.

“I think Wake just stirred him up by going over there and that’s how it all started. It’s just footy.

“You get cheeky halfbacks …”

Sunday’s six-point defeat consigned the Tigers to their seventh straight loss to start the season, and the knives were predictably out for half Luke Brooks again.

Brooks has borne the brunt of the criticism for Wests’ slow start to the year, and for the club failing to make the finals since 2011.

Luke Brooks has been a lightning rod for criticism at the Wests Tigers. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Klemmer, who joined the Tigers from Newcastle this season, came to Brooks’ defence ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Panthers in Bathurst.

“It’s disappointing. He’s one player and it’s a team sport,” Klemmer said of the criticism. “He’s not making every single tackle, every single run and every single error. He’s doing his best.

“We’re not going so well and he’s one of the highest paid, so they’re going after him.

“We support Brooksy around here, and the boys are trying our hardest to get a win. Brooksy cops the brunt of it and it’s disappointing.”

Brooks has been named in the halves for this weekend’s game against the two-time defending premiers, with Wakeham set to wear the No.6 jersey and Jahream Bula at fullback.

Despite the ongoing scrutiny around his performances, Klemmer says Brooks doesn’t appear to let it affect him.

“He must be good at hiding it,” he said. “He’s human at the end of the day.

“He’s a good bloke and a good player. We need to protect him – and everyone.

“He’s doing his best. Everyone in the side is doing their best, and that’s all we can ask for.”

Originally published as ‘Emotions get really high’: David Klemmer weighs in on tunnel scuffle between Brandon Wakeham and Josh Aloiai