David Klemmer #264

[The Chad]

If Klemmer was playing at Reserve Grade standard, it's a bad contracted player to have. But he isn't playing at reserve grade standard.

His experience & professionalism will be missed (if he's actually leaving). He's the opposite of signings like James Tamou who were at the end of the career & being phased out. Players still need to beat Klemmer out to replace him. I don't think any prop option has outplayed him on the roster.

I do understand that the clause & the dollars are a longer term issue- and I understand moving him on. But there has to be a dose of realism- he was of benefit to the club for on field & off field reasons.

There is a concerningly small amount of experience at high levels in the club currently (particularly if Klemmer leaves). Luai, Api & Olam command some respect for past deeds. Bird too.

I doubt Twal, Hunt, Staines or Naden command as much authority with the younger players.

We need to develop a leadership group from within now. Guys like Seyfarth & Doueihi, and younger players like Da Silva & Kit Lualili'i might be able to step into leadership roles, but it's no guarentee.

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

Its not a rebuilding year. Its time to perform.

I'm sick of these rebuilding years there's just too many of these ground hog days, hope Richo is bringing in a replacement or 2/3 injuries in the forwards and we are in trouble.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

roosters are ruthless they move on Kyle Flanagan
they moved on mitchell Pearce for Cooper Cronk
they do what they need to do
Galvin fits the bill to partner Sam Walker at some point

Bronson Xerri was no longer available at the time Flanagan started with the Roosters.

 

[The Chad]

It's not a "re-build".

It's just building.

We have to be better than last season. Every new year for an existing coaching group & player group is building.

If Benji is moved on- then it becomes re-building.

This is why I believe it is very important to double down on Benji unless he looks absolutely clueless- which, despite results, I don't think is the case.

 

[Flippedy]

His first year with us was really strong. Pretty sure he played every game, averaged 140m, and 25 tackles at near on 100% efficiency.

Yes and he’s had to carry a pretty insipid pack of forwards since then.

His first year with us was really strong. Pretty sure he played every game, averaged 140m, and 25 tackles at near on 100% efficiency.

Yes and he’s had to carry a pretty insipid forward pack since then. I hope he’s not leaving, I was looking forward to seeing how he would go with some better forwards like May, Hunt and Bird around him to share the load. Especially so if we’re not getting anyone in return for this season.

 

[Spartan117]

Its not a rebuilding year. Its time to perform.

Not from ground zero but it is still a rebuild year.

Lots of squad turn over expected before 2026.

 

[Tucker]

Not from ground zero but it is still a rebuild year.

Lots of squad turn over expected before 2026.

We said that in 23 ahead of 24 and in 24 ahead of this year.
Im not buying it.
If we have a poor year this year, the coaching staff need to go. If its a spoon, Richo should go with them.
Happily, I dont think this will be the case.

 

[bptiger 0]

It's not a "re-build".

It's just building.

We have to be better than last season. Every new year for an existing coaching group & player group is building.

If Benji is moved on- then it becomes re-building.

This is why I believe it is very important to double down on Benji unless he looks absolutely clueless- which, despite results, I don't think is the case.

Better get out the tissues , got a feeling we will be in that battle for the spoon , our forward pack is close to the worst in the competition

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

It's not a "re-build".

It's just building.

We have to be better than last season. Every new year for an existing coaching group & player group is building.

If Benji is moved on- then it becomes re-building.

This is why I believe it is very important to double down on Benji unless he looks absolutely clueless- which, despite results, I don't think is the case.

This building seems to be going on forever if it was an extension to your house would you be happy.

 

[Vicious]

If it’s $:45 for a trial that is just down right a rip off , that is not the way to treat your supporters , cost ya $ 250 for the 4 family plus a pie and coke , that’s wrong and why folks watch it at home

Watching Wests Tigers beat the Eels is worth $145 to be honest,

 

[Tucker]

100%

I hate when people say we should sign these old karnts saying they can mentor the younger blokes coming through. WTF????

All it’s doing is preventing someone from playing and actually getting experience.

Complete waste…

Pathetic.

Youve never played sport at a reasonable level have you?

 

[Jolls]

Everyone seems happy to be getting rid of these big contracts for these guys.
One thing that most are overlooking though is who is going to mentor and bring the new guys through, providing experience in all things preparation and professionalism off the field? ...

.... So while yes, its a positive to have all this money and under performing stars off the books, what we have lost off the field could prove very costly indeed. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

It is this intrisnic value that is often lost when players are considered in a purely transactional manner.

What he brings to the club off the field is why I expect that there wasn't orignially a plan to move him on; but also not have him play more than 13 games unless he was going gangbusters. So for our transition to not having him in Tigers colours in 26 I think it was a sound plan; leadership and performance on the field transitioning to support and playing in Reggies prior to shuffling off in 26.

I don't think this was planned; an opportunity presented, it was assessed and, after considering the consequences we acted. We will only know if it was a good decsion in hindsight; but for me, right now. I think it was the right one.

 

[TieDye]

That's Prime mate.

Love your work @hank37w

No funny business, had me going bananas 😉

 

[426Tlgerland]

Watching Wests Tigers beat the Eels is worth $145 to be honest,

Agree but in a comp game not a trial , club could have done a special to kick off a good thing with supporters $ 20 adult , kids under12 free or similar , pie and a coke $ 5 just one night to get things going , but Richo is money hungry and I get it but for $ 45. That’s over the top

 

[Tito Santana]

Youve never played sport at a reasonable level have you?

Enlighten us Tucker. Enlighten us. What’s it like? What sport did you play?

Paying $700k for a guy to “mentor” someone is ridiculous.

 

[Spartan117]

We said that in 23 ahead of 24 and in 24 ahead of this year.
Im not buying it.
If we have a poor year this year, the coaching staff need to go. If its a spoon, Richo should go with them.
Happily, I dont think this will be the case.

23/24 was still dealing with the Pascoe Legacy.

Were never gonna get a better man in leadership that Richo

Im All In

 

[Sully]

Agree but in a comp game not a trial , club could have done a special to kick off a good thing with supporters $ 20 adult , kids under12 free or similar , pie and a coke $ 5 just one night to get things going , but Richo is money hungry and I get it but for $ 45. That’s over the top

I bought a Family ticket for tonight at $140 on the Hill and then they release kids under 15 are free with a paying adult which cost me $50 more now. We do not tend to look after the supporters who have put up with years of poor results.

Anyway hope we can win and get no injuries

 

[Tucker]

Enlighten us Tucker. Enlighten us. What’s it like? What sport did you play?

Paying $700k for a guy to “mentor” someone is ridiculous.

He wasnt just here as a mentor, that is a side effect of his experience. He is a leader, plays nearly every game, makes his tackles and meters.
You make out he was absolutely useless.
Who is going to lead the pack? Api tried last year and failed....miserably.
What happens when all these young blokes hit the winter wall? When the excitement of being a fulltime NRl player wears off and reality sets in?
Who motivates them when they cop a few injuries and go on another big losing run?
What about morale? Forward packs are tight knit. They knew Stef and Papa were going, but Bateman and Klemmer going as well? Thats not great for confidence.
Without a tough, durable pack who are led and prepared well, Luai and co might as well be pissing into the wind.

 

[Donny Brasco]

He wasnt just here as a mentor, that is a side effect of his experience. He is a leader, plays nearly every game, makes his tackles and meters.
You make out he was absolutely useless.
Who is going to lead the pack? Api tried last year and failed....miserably.
What happens when all these young blokes hit the winter wall? When the excitement of being a fulltime NRl player wears off and reality sets in?
Who motivates them when they cop a few injuries and go on another big losing run?
What about morale? Forward packs are tight knit. They knew Stef and Papa were going, but Bateman and Klemmer going as well? Thats not great for confidence.
Without a tough, durable pack who are led and prepared well, Luai and co might as well be pissing into the wind.

I dont get all the hate for Klemmer, sure hes not at his Origin levels, but he never seemed to shirk the hard work and looked like he was putting in.

 

[Tucker]

23/24 was still dealing with the Pascoe Legacy.

Were never gonna get a better man in leadership that Richo

Im All In

Why Not? He isnt perfect you know....