David Klemmer eyes big-money move to Newcastle Knights

KANGAROOS front-rower David Klemmer is poised to ask Canterbury for a release to sign one of the richest contracts in rugby league history with Newcastle.

David Klemmer could be on the way out of the Bulldogs. Picture: Getty Images

KANGAROOS prop David Klemmer is poised to ask the Canterbury Bulldogs for a release to sign one of the richest contracts in rugby league history with the Newcastle Knights.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Klemmer met with Bulldogs chief executive Andrew Hill last week about the possibility of him being freed from the final two seasons of his four-year contract.

Asked about the meeting with Klemmer, Hill said: “We don’t comment on rumours and speculation involving Dave or any other players.

“Dave has been at the Dogs for nearly a decade and is a much-­valued member of our club.

“Obviously, we’d like him to be at the club for a lot longer.”

This is the third time in 12 months Klemmer has approached Canterbury to talk about an early release.

David Klemmer could be on the way out of the Bulldogs. Picture: Getty Images

He met Hill on his own without a manager. Another Bulldogs official revealed Klemmer had been “unsettled” for some time.

There is talk he has an out clause in that some old third-party agreements have fallen over.

Under NRL anti-poaching laws, the Knights cannot officially open negotiations with Klemmer until November next year.

However, it is understood a third party has been involved in talks behind the scenes.

Newcastle are prepared to pay a whopping $4.6 million in a four-year deal.

It is double what he is earning at Belmore and the front-rower is reportedly keen to explore a more relaxed lifestyle in Newcastle.

Desperate to increase their forward strength, the Knights recently met with Broncos front-rowers Tevita Pangai Jr and Matt Lodge. Both knocked them back and hence the move for Klemmer.

David Klemmer could be tempted by a big-money move to Newcastle. Picture: Alix Sweeney

They need the forward momentum to allow Kalyn Ponga and Mitchell Pearce to work their magic.

With the coaching merry-go-round finally settled, clubs are now preparing for a player market frenzy.

Even players under contract such as Klemmer will be targeted across the game.

Wayne Bennett and Anthony Seibold plan to be coaching at their current clubs next season, despite long-term recruitment goals at their new clubs.

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Originally published as David Klemmer eyes big-money move to Newcastle Knights