David Klemmer’s uncertainty with the Wests Tigers has come to an end, as the club has officially released him to join the Dragons. This decision follows Klemmer’s exclusion from the Tigers’ first-grade team this season after management opted to offload his substantial salary.
Klemmer’s transfer to the Dragons, which has been reported as finalized, is a temporary arrangement for the duration of the 2025 season. This opportunity is crucial for Klemmer, as it allows him to secure his future in the NRL, with the option to pursue other contracts for the following year if desired.
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan expressed enthusiasm for Klemmer’s signing, noting his diverse skill set and extensive experience at the club, state, and international levels. Klemmer’s joining the Dragons is expected to facilitate the departure of Francis Molo, another front-rower who has requested a release due to friction with the club’s management.
Tigers CEO Shane Richardson praised Klemmer as a valuable clubman and expressed support for his decision to seek new opportunities. Klemmer, now 31, has over a decade of NRL experience, having started his professional journey with the Canterbury Bulldogs in 2013. In his career, he has played 113 matches for Canterbury, followed by 81 games for the Newcastle Knights and 44 for the Wests Tigers, whom he joined at the beginning of the 2023 season. Klemmer’s representative career includes 14 State of Origin matches for New South Wales and 19 caps for Australia, although his last international appearance was in 2019.
As Klemmer embarks on this new chapter with the Dragons, he is poised to make a significant impact and vie for a more permanent role within the league.