David Klemmer has only been with the nib Newcastle Knights for a matter of weeks, but the Club is already reaping the rewards of recruiting such an experienced big man.
According to coach Nathan Brown, the Test veteran is setting the tone at training, which is paying dividends for the younger members of the squad.
"Since he has been here his training has been first class," said Brown.
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"You know he is obviously been a regular for NSW and Australia for the past four or five years and to do that at his age.
"The fact he has only just turned 25 is a real credit to not only himself but his time at Canterbury were he came through as a junior.
"The age that we have got him, we feel that his best years are ahead of him and obviously we are all really excited to have him.
"He is a great influence on our younger players here and he likes to win and compete, so he ticks a lot of boxes and is a great long-term signing for the club."
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One player who is relishing the opportunity to suit up alongside the prop is Knights leader Mitchell Pearce.
The pair previously played together in the Origin arena but find themselves club mates for the first time.
While the Club has several talented young middles, the arrival of Klemmer brings some much-needed starch to the pack.
"We are rich of front-rowers this year, the club has done a great job in recruiting in such a short time," said Pearce.
"The pressure to go forward won't be a problem this year, I have no doubt about that we have a big pack with some really quality forwards."
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The Knights returned for pre-season training last Friday, with the imposing forward finding himself in a unique predicament.
Be the Player... the story so far.
The typical challenge facing a big man is the task of shredding the Christmas kilos, but he needs to beef up.
According to Brown, it's a unique situation but one he's not fazed by.
"Yeah well we don't have that worry with too many front-rowers but yeah he is pretty lean. I think he is keen to put on a couple more kilos," Brown explained.
"He probably knows how to manage his body better than anyone here so he will get himself where he needs to but a bit lean is better than a bit overweight."
