David Klemmer is the latest player to strike a million dollar deal. The NRL rookie has signed a deal reportedly worth one million dollars over three years.
There is no doubt he is a rare talent but a rookie being paid that kind of money before playing a first grade game is unheard of.
Klemmer was targeted by many clubs but taking the money from a club he has followed since he was a child was a no brainer for him.
His dreams have really come true. His one million dollar deal was topped off by being picked in the team for the Bulldogs first round clash with the Cowboys.
Even though he is yet to be tested at first grade level he is expected to be a force off the bench.
He is a towering forward at 199cm and weighing 120kg. That is a man that will take stopping.
The 2012 Toyota Cup player of the year is set to have a bright future.
Wayne Bennett who has been known for picking out talented future stars did all he could to convince Klemmer to join the Knights but Klemmer was only ever interested in playing for the Bulldogs.
Why is he a big deal? Look at the stats.
In 2012 he ran for a staggering 4208 metres, the only player to make over 4000 metres in the Toyota Cup competition.
He can play 80 minutes and for a 120kg man you need to be fit to do that.
He also busted 137 tackles and made 55 offloads.
He is an extremely rare talent and at the age of 19 he has plenty of years to improve. To be a one million dollar man before playing a first grade NRL game is amazing.
It will no doubt be a difficult start to the NRL for Klemmer against arguably one of the best front row pairs in James Tamou and Matt Scott. He will have to be ready to fire when coming off the bench.
With injuries to Sam Kasiano and Frank Pritchard and a suspension to James Graham many first grade opportunities present themselves to young Klemmer.
Des Hasler has been known to get the most out of his players and he will try to get maximum impact out of Klemmer this year.
He will probably be seen as an impact player and with his size he should be able to be that.
Aiden Tolman has high expectations and opinions on young Klemmer.
Tolman said, “He is very physical at training.”
“He’s that big and got plenty of aggression.”
The wraps on him are huge.
The ability is obviously there but the pressure is something he will have to deal with.
Many sportsmen have failed to deal with fame and expectations in the past.
He just needs to concentrate on playing rugby league and he will be fine.
The Bulldogs see a bright future ahead for him.
This year is an important season for him as he can put his name out there and don’t be surprised if in the not so distant future everyone has heard of David Klemmer.
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