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NRL 2025: David Klemmer may have played his last game for Wests Tigers after pre-season omission​

David Klemmer may have played his last game for the Wests Tigers and could be the next big name to depart the club after he was mysteriously left out of their final pre-season trial.

Brent Read, David Riccio and Michael Carayannis

2 min read
February 18, 2025 - 6:03PM
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...ory/140202da9a149e7a7c924cb44b01abb2#comments
Former State of Origin prop David Klemmer could be the next big name to depart the Wests Tigers after he was mysteriously left out of their final pre-season trial against Parramatta.

Klemmer is in the final year of his contract with the Tigers, although it is understood he has a clause in the deal that gives him a 12-month extension if he plays more than 14 games in 2025.

That clause may become irrelevant if Klemmer departs in coming weeks as speculation simmers over his future in the lead-up to the club’s round one game against Newcastle in just over a fortnight.

Whispers about his future emerged after the former NSW forward was a shock late withdrawal from their opening trial against the Bulldogs last weekend.

Klemmer ended up watching the game from the sidelines. He was then overlooked on Tuesday as Tigers coach Benji Marshall named his side for their final pre-season hitout against the Eels at Leichhardt Oval.

David Klemmer may have played his last game for the Wests Tigers. Picture: Getty Images

David Klemmer may have played his last game for the Wests Tigers. Picture: Getty Images

Terrell May and Fonua Pole were named to start in the front row against the Eels with Royce Hunt on the interchange bench.

May and Hunt will make their first appearances in Tigers colours against the Eels after their off-season moves from the Sydney Roosters and Cronulla respectively.

The club’s other big name signing – Jarome Luai – will be wrapped in cotton wool in preparation for their season opener against the Knights at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.

There is every chance Klemmer will have moved by then. Tigers officials have been tight-lipped over plans for Klemmer but it is understood the decision was made to leave him out of the pre-season while his future remained in doubt.

Klemmer was a mainstay in the Tigers’ pack last season, playing 20 games as the club won a third consecutive wooden spoon.

The signing of Terrell May means the Tigers are well stocked on middle forwards, which may see Klemmer forced out of the club. Picture: NRL Imagery

The signing of Terrell May means the Tigers are well stocked on middle forwards, which may see Klemmer forced out of the club. Picture: NRL Imagery

It is understood there are no concerns within the club with his form or attitude. If anything, Klemmer has been one of the Tigers’ most consistent players since his move from Newcastle.

However, the arrival of May and Hunt and the retention of Pole mean the Tigers are well stocked for middle forwards.

This masthead understands that the Tigers made overtures in the off-season to remove the option from his contract but were unable to get a deal done.

However, it is believed they are now open to allowing Klemmer to depart should he land a deal at a rival for this season.

At least one Sydney club is believed to be keeping an eye on the situation as they mull over making a move for Klemmer.

Klemmer won’t be the only big name to sit out the club’s final trial against Parramatta. Centre Justin Olam is also poised to miss the game as he battles ongoing knee issues that have put his place in jeopardy for the start of the season.

Olam struggled with knee problems last season but managed to finish the year
 
watersider said:
Getting rid of Klemmer along with all the other big dollar under performers would be a huge offseason achievement. None of those players were terrible but they were all below average and with no improvement in them...for us anyway. Klemmer seemed to go into James tamou mode last year after showing early promise the year before.
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Kit showed signs he might not be far away as a depth option.Richo seemingly keen to free up cash for the back row?? 🤞
 
BlackWhiteGold said:
If we run into any injury trouble with Api or Tallyn in the first 10 rounds, don't be surprised if Tristan Hope is promoted to top 30 on a 1-year deal. NB. that's because train & trialists are not eligible to play until R11.

If we need another spot for a so-called strike centre or backrower that falls from the tree, Tumeth may become the sacrificial lamb.
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I believe of we suffer injuries he can get an exemption to play since we won’t have any other hookers available.
 
The-moP said:
It just shows how much rugby league has changed over the years .. i remember playing with the coaches saying tackle the players around the the legs then slide down ton is lower legs to stop him from running .. then the second player comes in over the top knocking him to the ground and locking up the ball .. !!

But today the defence all attempt stop the player running the ball up by putting 2 or 3 in each tackle and blocking the player .. then all 3 players lift and carry the attacking player back 5 to 10 meters until the ref calls held .. then they dump the player on the ground and the tackle in complete. Watch Penrith how they do it .. they experts making ground in defence .. !! Welcome to Rugby League in the 21st century .. !!
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A 1 on 1 legs tackle should be called dominant, giving the tackling player time to regain his feet and get into marker.
 
watersider said:
Getting rid of Klemmer along with all the other big dollar under performers would be a huge offseason achievement. None of those players were terrible but they were all below average and with no improvement in them...for us anyway. Klemmer seemed to go into James tamou mode last year after showing early promise the year before.
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That remains to be seen.
We’ve gotten rid of 4 experienced starters and so far replaced them with guys who are a dice roll outside of May.
 
Is there any truth to the Klemmer moving on immediately rumour, or is it just a media beat up ?
You would imagine if true his landing spots would be with the Dragons, Knights, Eels, Rabbitohs or a team in the UK Super League ?
Surely if it is true we get somebody decent in return ?
 
Fish88 said:
I’m all for Klemmer leaving if he is replaced with someone of need (2nd rower). Would be backwards for him to leave and not be replaced. He is consistent and while not setting the world on fire makes his tackles and makes metres well.
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Our club has a bad habit of letting players leave without having a replacement lined up , I would not be holding my breath
 
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