WELCOME TO SUPER LEAGUE - DAVID KLEMMER
- Super League Raw
- Oct 31
- 3 min read
A big name arrival
In a move that has sent a ripple through the rugby-league world, St Helens have secured the signature of Australian front-row powerhouse David Klemmer. While the exact terms of the deal remain under wraps, the arrival of a veteran of his calibre signals a clear intent from the Saints to reinforce their engine room with proven experience.
Career to date
Klemmer, born 22 December 1993 in Sydney, NSW, stands at 198 cm and around 109 kg. He made his NRL debut in round 1, 2013 for the Canterbury‑Bankstown Bulldogs, against the North Queensland Cowboys.
From that launch point:
He spent six seasons at the Bulldogs (2013-2018), racking up well over 100 appearances.
He then moved to the Newcastle Knights (2019-2022) and subsequently the Wests Tigers (2023-2024).
In early 2025 he made the switch to the St George Illawarra Dragons having been released by the Tigers.
On the representative front:
He has played 14 games for New South Wales Blues in State of Origin.
He has represented Australia (the Kangaroos) 19 times.
Key career stats & highlights
Some standout numbers and moments:
In 2016, he played 21 games for the Bulldogs, made 366 runs (average 17.4 per game) and gained 3,413 metres, with 540 tackles (average 25.7 per game).
In 2021 for the Knights, he played 21 games, averaged over 164 running metres, made over 1,400 post-contact metres and was 5th in the NRL for that stat.
His durability and workload have often been cited: for years he was running 3,000+ metres each season, ripping through the opposition’s defensive line.
What he brings to St Helens
For the Saints faithful, Klemmer’s arrival brings a number of immediate pluses and reasons for optimism:
Raw power and front-row presence – At nearly 2 metres tall and over 100 kg, his physicality is unquestionable. He’s the type of prop who can dominate carries, make metres, and lay the platform for the backs to exploit.
Experience at the highest level – With multiple Origin and Test appearances, he knows big-game intensity and high-pressure environments. That kind of experience will be invaluable in tight matches and do-or-die finals situations.
Leadership and mentoring value – Though a raw rookie arrival in 2013, Klemmer has matured into a senior pro. He can guide younger forwards, help raise standards in training and in the forward rotation, and set an example of professionalism. Indeed, when he joined the Dragons earlier in 2025, one commentator noted:
“He’s confident the future is bright … his arrival has provided much-needed experience and leadership to a young forward unit.”
Improved middle-third control – A better front-row helps win the “middle” battle in rugby league: gaining post-contact metres, dominating the set-starts, tiring out opposition forwards. Klemmer can help St Helens achieve that, which is often the difference in tight contests.
Potential cultural impact – A player who has been through the highs and lows can bring intangible benefits: toughness, resilience, mental strength. For a club aiming for silverware, those traits matter.
What to look forward to as a Saints supporter
Here’s what the St Helens faithful can reasonably expect with Klemmer in the squad:
More dominant forward set-plays. Expect the Saints to crank up their meter-gaining in the early sets, with Klemmer often setting the tone.
Better defensive solidity up front. His tackling and work-rate should help shore up the middle, reducing fatigue and improving late-game resilience.
A clearer platform for the backs and edges. With better carries in the middle, the outside players get better opportunities.
Mentoring of younger pack members. If the club has emerging forwards, they’ll benefit from his insights, training habits and standards.
Some “big match” moments. Whether it’s a key carry, a break, or a dominant tackle, Klemmer tends to show up when it matters.
A possible resurgence in form. While his early-career peak was spectacular, there’s evidence that he remains effective and motivated. His move suggests he still has plenty to give.
Final word
For St Helens, securing David Klemmer is a statement: they are looking not just to compete, but to dominate in the forward pack and bring leadership into the engine room. For the fans, the incoming big carries, the imposing front-row presence, and the intangible confidence of having a proven performer up front are all tangible reasons to be excited.
In short: when Klemmer runs off the bench or starts and charges into the opposition line, expect the Saints to gain metres, assert pressure, and build momentum in games. If he hits form and is well managed across the season, he could prove a pivotal signing in their quest for trophies.
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