NSW gets major boost after Origin victory, with star David Klemmer making miraculous recovery

Fresh from destroying Queensland to force a State of Origin decider, the news is only going to get better for coach Brad Fittler — who will finally be handed a welcome selection headache.

NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 28: David Klemmer of the Newcastle Knights during the round 7 NRL match between the Newcastle Knights and Parramatta Eels at McDonald Jones Stadium on April 28, 2019 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images)

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Newcastle front-row enforcer David Klemmer is making a miraculous recovery from a broken wrist, putting him in the frame for an early return for the Knights and NSW.

Coach Nathan Brown told The Daily Telegraph on Monday night Klemmer resumed training last Saturday and would be running with the NRL squad this week in a bid to play in Saturday’s match against Brisbane in Newcastle.

“At this stage I think Klem will play,” Brown said.

“He’s keen to get back out there against the Broncos’ pack and we’ll check him out later in the week.”

David Klemmer had an enormous impact in Game 1. Picture: Adam Head

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It is only 20 days since he broke his wrist during a starring performance for the Blues in Origin I against the Maroons.

Klemmer’s return will give Blues coach Brad Fittler a headache about who to drop for the decider in place of Klemmer.

However, Wade Graham’s potential move from the bench to five-eighth could open up an interchange position for either Paul Vaughan or Klemmer’s Newcastle teammate Daniel Saifiti.

Klemmer’s Newcastle teammate Daniel Saifiti (tackled) could be the unlucky player to make way. Picture: Getty

The Klemmer revelation comes as the Knights remain unsure about the fitness of Queensland Origin stars Kalyn Ponga and Tim Glasby for this weekend.

Ponga (cork) and Glasby (elbow) were forced to catch the red-eye flight home from Perth straight after Wednesday’s 38-6 loss to the Blues, without time to do recovery.

The pair were seen spending the night after the game on a plane, without icing or proper recovery, before they were then forced to get in a car and drive home to Newcastle.

Originally published as NSW gets major boost after Origin victory, with star David Klemmer making miraculous recovery