David Klemmer arrival gives rejuvenated Newcastle Knights confidence to challenge for NRL title

With a roster that has State of Origin talent and a Test prop forward in David Klemmer, the Newcastle Knights have no doubts of what they can achieve and how quickly success can come.

A fresh start for David Klemmer is a big coup for the Knights.

• How do the Knights stack up
• How Pearce got Klemmer over the line
• Klemmer arrival draws line under Tinkler era

It could be a moment looked back on as where everything changed for the Newcastle Knights.

While 2018 showed glimmers of hope key signings Mitchell Pearce and Kalyn Ponga starred when on the park, it’s 2019 that could mark the end of the much talked about “rebuild”.

Now with a roster that has State of Origin talent and a Test prop forward in David Klemmer, the Knights have no doubts of what they can achieve.

A fresh start for David Klemmer is a big coup for the Knights.

“David’s signed for five years, we hope David is going to be a 10-year player for the club,” said Newcastle CEO Phil Gardner.

“The rebirth of the Knights after the Tinkler era and the NRL era is now well and truly under way and we’re really excited about the roster.

“We think now we have as good as any in the league and we’ve certainly got the best coach in the league so there’s no excuses going forward for the Knights.”

There are no surprises comparisons are being drawn to successful teams of the past now they have the belief they have a roster to challenge the rest of the competition.

Fans are excited to have an enforcer again, which has many harking back to the glory days when Paul ‘The Chief’ Harrogan ran straight at the line much like Klemmer does now.

But those in charge at Newcastle are certain he will carve out his own place in Knights history.

Paul Harragon set the standard for front rowers at Newcastle.

“David has put his family first in all the decisions and all the discussions with the club,” Gardner said.

“He’s the sort of character that we need in our club. He’s the forward leader that we’ve needed for a long period of time.

“A lot has been spoken that he’s our new Paul Harragon, well he’s out new David Klemmer, but I think he’ll follow in those great footsteps of those great players of the club.”

Klemmer knows he has much to do before he’s placed alongside players like that, but he plans to start from his first training next Monday.

“They’re some big shoes to fill,” he said.

“Chief has an awesome legacy here and I have a lot to live up to. I just want to get into training and earn the respect from the boys.

“I want to get around there and introduce myself.”