Klemmer right man to lead Knights: Heighington

Retired Newcastle forward Chris Heighington knows David Klemmer is the perfect person to take over as the spearhead of the Knights pack.

Heighington and Jacob Lillyman were brought in to mentor the young Knights forwards in 2017 – a role Klemmer will take on if, as expected, he completes a move from Canterbury.

Heighington said Klemmer would set a good example for the Saifiti twins, who are seen as the pick of the front-rowers coming through the ranks at Newcastle.

"I'm expecting good things from the Knights next year," Heighington said.

"Klemmer would be a great signing, he's probably what the Knights need - he's big and intimidating and he's a real leader in the forward pack.

"He could steer the Saifiti brothers (Daniel and Jacob) in the right direction as well, show them how it's done.

"I know that the others guys that are there now are also willing to work on their game and get better, so Klemmer would be great coming in and guiding some of those other young players too."

Heighington may have said goodbye to the NRL after 16 years, but he will dust off the boots when he takes part in the Legends of League tournament at Gosford Stadium on November 17.

Heighington said he's excited to come up against some of the players he idolised while growing up.

"I heard how much of a success it was last year and I'm living on the Central Coast so I was more than keen to have a run," Heighington said.

Klemmer would be a great signing, he's probably what the Knights need

Chris Heighington

"I grew up watching so many of these players so I'm really looking forward to playing with and coming up against them.

"I got the opportunity to play with Cliffy Lyons when I was 17 so it will be good to catch up with him again and I heard he had some good games last year.

"We're opening up the tournament against him so that will be an awesome game straight off the bat.

"[Steve] Menzies is in that Manly team as well so hopefully they don't get their combination from the late 90's back."

The tournament kick-started last year, drawing a crowd of 8500 fans at Gosford Stadium.

Heighington said he was eager to be involved in the annual event as he wants to encourage more rugby league being played on the Central Coast. He is glad to be able to show his support for the Mark Hughes Foundation.

"I like that it's on the Central Coast - we don't get enough footy here," Heighington said.

"The coast is crying out for more footy and this is another way of getting more footy up there - going to watch the old boys have a run.

"One of the other reasons I'm playing this year is so I can show my support for the Mark Hughes Foundation in raising more awareness and money for brain cancer."