Newcastle Knights snap up David Klemmer
Newcastle Knights have signed Australia front-rower David Klemmer on a five-year deal from Canterbury Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs granted Klemmer an immediate release from the final two years of his contract with the club, allowing the forward to sign a deal with the Knights believed to be worth $4.3 million.
Klemmer joins the Knights after representing Australia in the end-of-season internationals against New Zealand and Tonga.
Knights’ chief executive Philip Gardner commented: “David is one of the world’s best front-rowers and his signing is an enormous coup for us.
“He’s been very upfront about the fact he sees a lot of potential in the Knights.
“He wants to win a Premiership and he sees himself doing it here. That is a massive vote of confidence in the direction of our side and our club.
“What’s more, in signing David we welcome a quality individual, not just a quality player.
“He is a family man and a good person. He and his wife Chloe and their three boys are coming not just for football but for the quality of life Newcastle offers.”
Newcastle head coach Nathan Brown added: “Klem has played 17 times for Australia and 12 times for New South Wales before his 25th birthday, which says a lot about him.
“He’s a big man who will help us over the advantage line and lead our pack. He’s exactly what we need.”