A word to the wise for any young punks in the NRL labouring under the misapprehension that, at this point in his career, they can perhaps start taking a few liberties with David Klemmer.
“He’s still tucked away in there, the old bald-headed madman,” Klemmer told this masthead with a chuckle.
“He comes out every now and again.”
The “madman” to whom Klemmer is referring is, of course, the younger version of himself.
It is 13 seasons since Klemmer burst onto the scene with Canterbury, a towering teenager who played every game as if it was a demolition derby.
On Saturday, the now 31-year-old veteran is set to run out for his fourth NRL club, St George Illawarra, after 238 top-grade appearances for the Bulldogs, Newcastle and Wests Tigers.
And while his competitive intensity remains a trademark, as the father of four young children, he prefers to keep the madman within on a tight leash.
David Klemmer during his early days at the Bulldogs.Credit: Getty
“I was a totally different person back then,” Klemmer said of his formative, firebrand years in the NRL.
“But as a matured dad now, I’m trying to be a good person off the field and a good role model for my kids.
“So if I look back now on how I was, I feel like I’m two different people. Totally the opposite.”
A Zen-like state, however, is not easy to maintain in the heat of the battle, as evidenced last year when Klemmer was heavily criticised and fined $3000 after an on-field blow-up involving referee Kasey Badger.
It was not a good look, but also a snapshot of the frustration Klemmer was struggling to contain.
Klemmer was the alpha male in Newcastle’s pack for four seasons.Credit: Getty Images
During the past few years, wins have been few and far between for the former NSW Origin and Kangaroos regular.
His last season with Newcastle, 2022, combined with his two years at the Tigers, delivered just 12 victories from 62 starts, as well as two wooden spoons. Moreover, both clubs decided Klemmer was surplus to requirements and leveraged him to move on long before his contract had expired – in complete contrast to the red-carpet receptions when they signed him.
Klemmer says he’s been around long enough not to take it personally.
“I’ve been in the game a long time now, and everyone knows it’s a business,” he said.
“No hard feelings whatsoever. The Dragons were obviously going to lose a very good player in Frank Molo, and they just reached out and I thought it was a good opportunity for me.
“Obviously, the Tigers have made some good signings in Jarome [Luai], Terrell [May] and [Sunia] Turuva, who are all quality players.
Klemmer spent two seasons with the Tigers, making 44 appearances.Credit: Getty Images
“It’s good to see the boys start off really well, because I did the whole pre-season with them.
“But for me, when this opportunity with the Dragons came up, I just wanted to give it a crack.
“And the boys have been great since I got here, really welcoming me and helping me out on the field.”
Perhaps tellingly, Klemmer added: “I just want to enjoy whatever I’ve got left.”
At this point in his career, Klemmer accepts that he is a year-by-year proposition.
The Dragons have signed him until the end of this season, leaving the onus on Klemmer to stake a claim for retention.
“I’m just happy I’m still playing,” he said.
“I still like getting up early and getting amongst it, and coming here to the Dragons, it’s a bit of a freshen-up for me.
“It’s just given me a real energy boost and I’m ready to rip in. I’ll keep going as long as the body and mind let me, or someone tells me that’s enough.
“For now, I’ll just take it year by year and see how I’m going.
“If I’m still contributing and adding to a team, still having a crack, competing, then why not keep going?”
