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The Newcastle Knights and Canterbury Bulldogs have bolstered their rosters for the 2019 season, with Dylan Napa and David Klemmer finding news homes.
It was reported by multiple sources on Monday afternoon that Klemmer’s move to the Knights, which has been one of the worst-kept secrets in rugby league, has finally been signed, sealed and delivered thanks to the Bulldogs being able to secure a replacement.
The Roosters made the news official at about 4pm (AEDT), with an official statement saying Napa had been released from the club.
The new deal for Klemmer, which is likely to be five years in length and believed to be worth around $4.3 million in total, will turn Klemmer into one of the game’s richest forwards.
The agreement for his release from a current contract at Canterbury was only completed after the Bulldogs were able to secure the release of Napa.
Speculation of Klemmer’s move to the Hunter region began a few weeks ago when he reportedly requested a move away from Sydney for personal reasons.
According to NRL.com.au, it’s understood Klemmer’s salary at the Knights per year will be roughly what he was expected to earn over the next two years at Canterbury.
Both players have represented their state, while Klemmer has also represented the national team, with the duo forming two of the top-end front rowers in the competition.
The Sydney Roosters could be the big losers out of the swap and acquisitions for the two clubs. While Napa was inconsistent at times in 2018, he was still believed to be a big part of the tri-colours plans going forward after they took the premiership in 2018 with a grand final win over the Melbourne Storm in convincing fashion.
It’s not known if the Roosters will seek a replacement for the 26-year-old who has played more than 120 games at the club.