David Klemmer #264

[Tim Sheens]

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?

This off season we have lost 756 games worth of top grade experience, with 37 pre seasons worth of preparation, 15 SOO apperances, 57 Internationals, 35 finals appearances including 7 grand finals and 2 premierships, out of our starting pack.

Our remaining forwards (Api, Twal, May, Hunt, Seyfarth, Pole and Fainu) combined - are a pale comparison to these 4 blokes we have lost in terms of experience. Yes we were shit the past 2 years but I think most would agree that Pole, Seyfarth and Fainu have all improved and that is in no small part due to the influence of the experienced guys in day to day preparation - both at training and on game days, eating correctly, mentally adjusting to professionalism and just in general living within the public eye. These guys are still a work in progress and yes we have brought some experience in with hunt and May, but they only have 130 games between them as well.

Our senior mentors are Api and Twal. Api speaks for himself but Alex is only really experienced in club land prep and having experienced 0 Finals, 0 Origin and a couple of Tests for Lebanon in a world cup, he hasnt got much big game knowledge to impart either. Our coaching staff wont be much help either except probably Heighno and Benji to some degree.

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.

I feel it is just good business Klemmer wise, really only because the anchor of next year's contract is tied to a 14 match clause. Experience wise, the club has lost plenty and probably too much if some isn't regained by the replacements for him and Bateman.

 

[426Tlgerland]

AHX Richo reckons if you dig deep and buy a couple of memberships for the 2025 season, he will have the money to re-sign Galvin.
Also don’t forget, it’s only $45 for tomorrow nights trial.

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

 

[Ron Brodrick's Spirit]

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?

This off season we have lost 756 games worth of top grade experience, with 37 pre seasons worth of preparation, 15 SOO apperances, 57 Internationals, 35 finals appearances including 7 grand finals and 2 premierships, out of our starting pack.

Our remaining forwards (Api, Twal, May, Hunt, Seyfarth, Pole and Fainu) combined - are a pale comparison to these 4 blokes we have lost in terms of experience. Yes we were shit the past 2 years but I think most would agree that Pole, Seyfarth and Fainu have all improved and that is in no small part due to the influence of the experienced guys in day to day preparation - both at training and on game days, eating correctly, mentally adjusting to professionalism and just in general living within the public eye. These guys are still a work in progress and yes we have brought some experience in with hunt and May, but they only have 130 games between them as well.

Our senior mentors are Api and Twal. Api speaks for himself but Alex is only really experienced in club land prep and having experienced 0 Finals, 0 Origin and a couple of Tests for Lebanon in a world cup, he hasnt got much big game knowledge to impart either. Our coaching staff wont be much help either except probably Heighno and Benji to some degree.

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.

Klemmer brings 200 plus games of experience, but now he's a steaming pile of crap.
I'd rather have a newbie that isn't a steaming pile of crap.
Similarly I don't want Mbye's 200 games of garbage back.

Some statistics can't be taken at face value.

We don't need to waste 600k on a "mentor" taking up a top 30 spot.

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

Nothing to do with Jahream, rather Sione and Luke along with the 5 others. Whether or not they are poor, good or potentially great is up for debate, but the numbers are simply factual.

Amount of potential yes but you raise my point about quality that will go on is unproven this is where you lose a lot, don't want to sound negative we all hope more go on and prove me wrong the weight of juniors we have going forward will be so large the amount great ones will increase anyway.

 

[Spartan117]

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?

This off season we have lost 756 games worth of top grade experience, with 37 pre seasons worth of preparation, 15 SOO apperances, 57 Internationals, 35 finals appearances including 7 grand finals and 2 premierships, out of our starting pack.

Our remaining forwards (Api, Twal, May, Hunt, Seyfarth, Pole and Fainu) combined - are a pale comparison to these 4 blokes we have lost in terms of experience. Yes we were shit the past 2 years but I think most would agree that Pole, Seyfarth and Fainu have all improved and that is in no small part due to the influence of the experienced guys in day to day preparation - both at training and on game days, eating correctly, mentally adjusting to professionalism and just in general living within the public eye. These guys are still a work in progress and yes we have brought some experience in with hunt and May, but they only have 130 games between them as well.

Our senior mentors are Api and Twal. Api speaks for himself but Alex is only really experienced in club land prep and having experienced 0 Finals, 0 Origin and a couple of Tests for Lebanon in a world cup, he hasnt got much big game knowledge to impart either. Our coaching staff wont be much help either except probably Heighno and Benji to some degree.

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.

2025 is another rebuilding year for us,

Building of better foundations and better leadership.

Im really positive about the direction we are headed

 

[Tucker]

I feel it is just good business Klemmer wise, really only because the anchor of next year's contract is tied to a 14 match clause. Experience wise, the club has lost plenty and probably too much if some isn't regained by the replacements for him and Bateman.

Yes I understand that Klemmer likely had 2 years left as he is a durable player. That may be another issue...Dave missed 4 games in 2 years and Stef missed 3. Not bad for guys playing in the toughest position.

 

[Tucker]

2025 is another rebuilding year for us,

Building of better foundations and better leadership.

Im really positive about the direction we are headed

Its not a rebuilding year. Its time to perform.

 

[Tucker]

Klemmer brings 200 plus games of experience, but now he's a steaming pile of crap.
I'd rather have a newbie that isn't a steaming pile of crap.
Similarly I don't want Mbye's 200 games of garbage back.

Some statistics can't be taken at face value.

We don't need to waste 600k on a "mentor" taking up a top 30 spot.

You are greatly underestimating what I am talking about.

 

[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.