Niggle was the buzzword of State of Origin II, but the pre-match focus of NSW’s forwards was camaraderie instead of callousness.
David Klemmer says the Blues’ forwards had a simple message for one another regarding the MCG clash they needed to win to keep the series alive.
“You want to walk off that field looking at the mate next to you, knowing you put in,” Klemmer said of their approach.
“That’s a big thing for us, not letting your mate down.
“It doesn’t matter what the spectators think. It’s the bloke that comes in after the game, you’ve got to look at him and say I did all I can.”
Klemmer, the heaviest player on the field at 116kg and a noted firebrand, praised his side for not crossing the line on Wednesday night.
“There’s always niggle. You can’t do anything about it,” he said.
“You can’t throw a punch, you sort of put up with it.
“We handled it pretty well, we kept cool heads.”
The 21-year-old is impressing in his maiden Origin campaign, playing few minutes but making a big impact off the bench.
Klemmer has adopted a similar mantra to his promising rugby league career.
“A big part of me is that you’re only in this lovely game for a short time and you have to make the most of it,” he said.
“There’s nothing to be scared of.”
Klemmer was thrilled with his first win with the Blues, but just as excited about the chance to call Paul Gallen a teammate.
“It was a childhood dream to play with him,” he said.
“I’ll never forget it.
“He was enormous. He was in everything – taking hit-ups, tackling and just doing his job.”
Sean
Guest
I don't think any qlders were game enough to throw one back. Klemmer wasn't going away.
KillaKanga
Roar Rookie
Jake I just want to clarify , the first part was not meant for you........ the perills of trying to multi-task. ;-)
KillaKanga
Roar Rookie
Jake Hmmm sour grapes much ? Funny that you make no mention of Hodges' forearm to Hoffman or Guerra's attempt to make a pancake out of Klemmer's face.
John
Guest
Klemmer was just trying to get up, he was unable to see what he was doing due to having two grubby palms in his face. He was able to draw the focus of the whole forward pack and then some for the last 5 minutes of the game, he played his role perfectly.
Jake
Guest
I believe Klemmer will be a stalwart for the blues but I don't respect him being a thug on the field, I saw him throw over 10 closed fists into QLD faces in about 5 minutes. It would not have bothered me in the slightest if they were doing the same thing throughout the game to the Blues but they weren't, if you brake the rules you should be punished.... I guess it should have been looked at by the refs but those to passengers were to scared to say anything about the crap going on.
David
Guest
Your comparison with Isaac Luke is a joke. Klemmer knowingly was trying to connect his fist with opposition to start a brawl. He was smiling about it too. He also threw punches after getting up and playing the ball. Qld did bloody well to not retaliate and escalate the grubs swinging fists. "No punching" i guess this rule only for applies for Qld. Reminds me of gallon punching Nate miles and nothing was done then too. QLD don't need to swing fists to seal up the series. They will play like they did in game three last year and shut the blusers up. Klemmer and gallon can get back to their boxing training
MAX
Guest
Thank you Rob for a visit to the engine room. David is the most exciting front rower prospect I have seen since '46 and with Des and James as mentors there are no limits. Noticed the body language between Cam Smith and David Klemmer...admiration and mutual respect. David Klemmer has arrived.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Please refer to the Cam Smith non-suspension for stamping on Issac Luke's head... it doesn't count if you're being held onto in a tackle!
Brendon
Guest
Can't throw a punch? Was it not David Klemmer on the ground punching the QLDers to the sheer delight of the commentators? I think NSW missed the memo of no punching on a few instances, but that was ok, the refs seemed to forget it as well... Fingerts crossed the memo gets misplaced for the QLDs as well next game!