When the Newcastle Knights were at the peak of their powers in the late 1990's, Paul 'Chief' Harragon was their enforcer.
Not since 'the Chief' have the Knights had an equivalent to lead their pack, but the Knights' signing of David Klemmer could have a Harragon-like impact on the team and the town.
Coach Nathan Brown is delighted that the Knights have been able to secure the services of the starting front-rower for Australia and New South Wales.
"It's the first time that the Knights have had a front rower that's a regular in those [representative] teams, maybe since as far back as Chief," Brown told newcastleknights.com.au.
"Klem has played 17 times for Australia and 12 times for NSW before his 25th birthday, which says a lot about him.
"He's a big man who will help us over the advantage line and lead our pack.
"It's huge news for the club, he's exactly what we need."
No matter what level of Rugby League, forwards lay the platform for the halves.
Therefore it's no coincidence that halfback Mitchell Pearce is excited about what is the Knights latest and most valuable signing for 2019.
It's no secret what the 198cm, 116kg monster can do on the field which will open the door for key players like Kalyn Ponga, Connor Watson and Pearce himself to work their magic.
Pearce is also excited about what Klemmer's influence will do for the young players of the team.
"The club has been talking for a while about getting that alpha male up the front, couldn't have picked a better guy than Klemmer to come to the club," Pearce said.
"[He's the] Australian front rower, Origin front rower; not only that, the style of footy he plays is aggressive.
"We've been crying out for an enforcer and its only going to bring on the younger boys that have got the ability in them that are going to grow off the back of him."
Klemmer's signing is the latest in a list of high-profile signings for the Knights next year including Tim Glasby, Jesse Ramien, Edrick Lee, James Gavet, Mason Lino and Hymel Hunt.
