David Clemmer – Page 2 – Michmutters
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David Klemmer to return to Newcastle Knights training, real reason for show-cause notice, news, update, latest

David Klemmer could reportedly receive a public apology from the Newcastle Knights as the club seeks to defuse the saga following the player’s expletive-laden rant at a trainer.

Klemmer was publicly issued a show-cause notice and stood down from training in the wake of Sunday’s galling defeat to the Bulldogs, in which Klemmer refused to leave the field when directed by trainer Hayden Knowles.

Klemmer reportedly labeled Knowles a “c***” and told him to “shut the f*** up”.

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O’Brien’s time at Knights running out? | 02:43

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The Sydney Morning Herald’s Michael Chammas initially reported Knowles lodged an official complaint to HR, with the Knights following the official policy of owners Wests Group by standing down the player.

On Friday I clarified it wasn’t actually initiated by the trainer.

“Management of the Newcastle Knights (Wests Group) instigated the investigation by HR,” he tweeted.

“Bizarre choice of action from head office. Might all be sorted today.

The Herald claims that Klemmer was set to front Newcastle’s board next week, but discussions are ongoing with the player’s union and Klemmer’s management which could see him return to the fold on Friday.

After suggestions Klemmer could even be terminated over the issue SEN’s Michelle Bishop claimed the tables had turned to the point the show cause notice could now be retracted.

“David Klemmer won’t be sacked,” Bishop said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“In fact, my sources say there could even be a public apology coming his way.

“I understand that’s what he’s requested out of the investigation so far.”

Bishop reported that Klemmer had been able to prove that his actions were “common practice” at the club.

It comes amid a scathing critique of the incident from club legend Matty Johns, who labeled Newcastle’s public handling of the incident an ‘overreaction’ to a scene he witnessed “a thousand times” in his successful career.

Johns told Fox League on Thursday: “It’s led to a big situation. The situation itself (isn’t a big deal) – I’m really surprised. I sprayed a trainer, I didn’t want to come off. He’s been stood down, apparently his Knights career is in the balance for refusing to leave and giving a trainer a spray.

“I’ve seen that a thousand times. I just think it’s an over-reaction. Even if it isn’t, and you want to address it, I don’t know why and how it’s turned up in the public domain … I can’t get my head around it.”

“You see it a million times, a bloke’s going (off) to the trainer – there’s always argy-bargy,” he added.

There have been widespread rumors this week that the Knights were considering tearing up Klemmer’s contract in the wake of the incident, something which former Roosters and Souths star Bryan Fletcher declared would be ‘a disgrace’.

Fletcher said on Fox League: “Are they trying to move him on? We know he’s on big money. If they are and this is the reason, I think it’s a disgrace.”

Major “Reboot” need for Knights – Buzz | 01:08

O’BRIEN ‘AT A LOSS’

Johns labeled it “an absolute bludger of a week for the Newcastle Knights”, from the announcement that superstar Kalyn Ponga would take no further part this season due to repeated concussions, to Sunday’s home defeat to the Canterbury Bulldogs, and even O’Brien’s controversial comments in the post-match press-conference.

Johns said: “the press conference after the game, (after which) Adam O’Brien was criticized for a lot of his comments, talking about his four premierships as an assistant.

“I can’t be too critical of Adam with this – he’s a coach without answers for a fanbase asking a lot of questions. He’s really at a loss at the moment.”

O’Brien reportedly has ‘no issue’ with Klemmer, who sent a message apologizing to the coach on Sunday night for his behavior on-field.

‘Silly thing to say’: O’Brien slammed for ‘talking himself up’ amid Knights slump

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Newcastle Knights, David Klemmer abuse of trainer, what did he say?, Cameron Smith, breach notice

NRL great Cameron Smith has called on the Newcastle Knights to “be better” as further details emerged related to prop David Klemmer’s incident over the weekend.

Klemmer allegedly refused to leave the field and verbally abused trainer Hayden Knowles during Newcastle’s 14-point loss to the Bulldogs last Sunday.

The star forward was also dropped for this weekend’s crunch clash with the Wests Tigers, amid reports he could have his contract torn up by the Knights.

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The Daily Telegraph’s Brent Read understands that the former Blues representative has apologized to head coach Adam O’Brien, as he acknowledged that he could’ve handled things differently.

The Telegraph reported on Thursday further details of Klemmer’s spray, claiming he called Knowles a “c***” and told him to “shut the f*** up”.

The report also revealed an exchange of messages between a Knights player and a senior member of staff about Klemmer, in which the member signs off with “FEC”.

“Confidential understands is an acronym for “F*** every c***. It suggests that the language was part of everyday life at the Knights and largely driven by some members of staff,” the report adds.

Weighing in on the news on Thursday morning, former Australia captain Smith couldn’t believe that a formal complaint had been submitted against Klemmer for an incident which he suggested happens regularly.

Klemmer sanctioned for abusing trainer | 02:55

“Well it’s strange really. If words were spoken between a player and a trainer, that’s happened a thousand times before,” Smith said on The Captain’s Run on SEN on Thursday.

“I’ve seen it first hand, I think you have as well. It’s not a new thing. I’m really confused as to why this is such a huge problem.

“The way I’ve seen it dealt with and sorted out in the past is that if there’s an issue… it’s dealt with in-person after the match.

“It’s just unnecessary. Like seriously, how bad have the words been spoken between David Klemmer and this trainer, to have a formal complaint made. It’s just ridiculous. Deal with it man to man.

“Do we go running to people now to double on each other? Like seriously, footy clubs, you’ve got to be better than that.”

Smith, who holds the record for the most NRL games played with 430, couldn’t understand why the Knights would make the complaint considering their form.

The Telegraph have reported that Newcastle players will be involved in the investigation, as they provide witness statements of what they heard.

Newcastle are currently 14th on the ladder, but they would drop back to second-last with a loss against the Wests Tigers on Sunday.

“The football is one thing, they’re not going great, they’re not going great at all,” he added.

“Even their performances at home, they’ve let their members and their fans down at home, who are extremely good supporters.

O’Brien’s time at Knights running out? | 02:43

“We’re starting to come to the end of the 2022 season, they’ve had a bludger of a year, they’re trying to get their season done as best they can with the remaining games.

“Now their starting prop, one of their enforcers, he’s been stood down. They’ve got several players now being pulled in now to be part of this investigation, and give their account of events.”

Smith played a lot of rugby league against and with Klemmer, with the pair helping the Kangaroos to a tense 6-0 win in the World Cup final against England in 2017.

The former Melbourne Storm hooker described Klemmer as “very respectful”, and felt that he would’ve worked through the situation alongside the club if given a chance.

“I’ve had a little bit to do with David Klemmer, like I’ve played many, many times against him, and look he is one of the most competitive and passionate blokes that I’ve played against in my career. He loves footy, he loves playing for the teams that he represents.

“But once the games over, he’s a very, very respectful man. He’ll deal with those situations the way he needs to deal with them respectfully. I don’t know why they’ve gone down this path.”

The Parramatta Eels reported attempted to sign Klemmer on a loan deal for the rest of the 2022 season, but the move was blocked by the Knights.

Klemmer is currently on a deal worth up to $900,000 at Newcastle until the end of next season, but a number of teams could be interested in acquiring his services if he becomes available.

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Newcastle Knights, Adam O’Brien, David Klemmer future, news, latest, transfers, Sam Walker, Rabbitohs, Latrell Mitchell

The divide in the Newcastle dressing room has been simmering for the past few months with Knights coach Adam O’Brien telling the playing group after a recent loss: “I know what you blokes are saying about me. I’m going nowhere.”

The point blank message from O’Brien can be revealed as the Knights go into damage control in the wake of the coach’s loose carry press conference last Sunday.

O’Brien fronted the media again on Tuesday to try and walk things back off the cliff but by that stage the cracks in the Newcastle dressing room had been prized wide open.

The David Klemmer situation has only driven a further wedge into the struggling club which has only managed five wins out of 19 games this year.

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The Knights started this season full of optimism after back-to-back wins over the Sydney Roosters and Wests Tigers before going on a run of seven losses leading into Magic Round.

It’s been slim pickings since with Newcastle now having the worst defensive record in the NRL having leaked 522 points at an average of 27.47 points per game along with currently having the worst differential in the competition of minus 238 points.

There’s no question O’Brien’s penchant for a blow-up is wearing thin with elements of the Newcastle playing group.

The problem for O’Brien is in 2022 it’s so much easier to get rid of a head coach than it is to completely try and turn over a roster.

The old saying goes you’ve never really been a head coach until you’ve lost four games in a row and the heat is on – which is exactly where O’Brien finds himself now.

‘AT A TIPPING POINT’: Knights at a crossroads, O’Brien feels for running ‘soft ship’

David Klemmer’s future at Newcastle is clouded. NRL PHOTOSSource: The Daily Telegraph

The Knights are adamant O’Brien will remain as the head coach next season but the biggest immediate challenge the Newcastle coach faces is getting the playing group all back on the same page.

New Director of Football Peter Parr has arrived at Newcastle and could only be shaking his head at the bun fight he’s walked into.

O’Brien is signed with Newcastle until the end of 2024 which if the Knights stay the course would mean he’s had a five-year tenure at the club.

After the events of the past week it’s now become blatantly clear the Knights coach needs a fast start to next season to ensure his own job security.

Let’s call the Klemmer play from Newcastle for what it is – the Knights are clearly trying to free up some money to try and go in a different direction next season.

Klemmer is on $800,000-plus which would give Newcastle some serious money to go to the open market with.

Plenty of ex-players are happy to tell you middle forwards often protest against being dragged from the field.

Newcastle have clearly identified they no longer want the ex-NSW and Australian prop at the Knights and so have started the process of steering him towards another club.

Adam O’Brien has come under scrutiny this week. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

ROOSTERS MOVE TO LOCK UP WALKER

The Sydney Roosters are set to launch a multi-million dollar play aimed at keeping young gun halfback Sam Walker at the Tricolours long-term.

Walker, 20, will be a free agent for rival clubs to approach as of November 1 but like all the good clubs the Roosters will try and make sure they strike a deal well beforehand.

The other rookie who has everyone talking at the Chooks is emerging superstar Joseph Suaalii. The Roosters clearly value his contribution to the team at the point where champion frontrower Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has been bringing him into leading the club’s team song over the past fortnight.

Jared has long been the Roosters leader in charge of leading the team song. Even after the Roosters were disappointed with their round 20 win over Manly, JWH still insisted on Suaalii riding shot gun with him leading the celebrations.

Nofoaluma vows to honor Tigers deal | 01:16

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DRAGONS CHASE ROOSTERS HOOKER

THE Gold Coast Titans aren’t the only club having a crack at signing Sydney Roosters hooker Sam Verrills.

The St George Illawarra Dragons are also making a play for the premiership-winning no.9.

Where it gets interesting is the Dragons have had a tough conversation with current hooker Andrew McCullough.

McCullough, 32, still has a year to run on his contract next season but the Red V are clearly exploring going in a different direction.

McCullough is one of the ex-Broncos clique of Dragons players who enjoys a close rapport with Red V coach Anthony Griffin.

The hooker, Dragons captain Ben Hunt and Josh Maguire all played in an under 20s grand finale with the Broncos in 2008 when Griffin was the coach.

‘This is what gives me the s****!’ | 02:04

FARAH GETS HANDS ON IN TIGERS FRONT OFFICE

The Wests Tigers putting the band back together with Tim Sheens, Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah is a smart play from the struggling club.

What’s equally as smart is Farah’s new contract stipulating that he’s also set to learn the ropes in terms of front office administration with the club.

The Tigers have long been laughed at by rival clubs about the way the club has been run.

Getting a figurehead like Farah who has bled for the club more hands-on in this department makes a lot of sense.

SOUTHS MOVE TO KEEP LATRELL, CODY AT REDFERN

We told you last week how South Sydney had a delicate $6 million balancing act on their hands around the re-signings of superstar fullback Latrell Mitchell and five-eighth star Cody Walker.

We were told there was a big chance the two key position players would wait until after November 1 to re-commit to South Sydney.

The Rabbitohs have swiftly moved to try and nip the scenario in the bud by meeting with the star duo earlier this week.

Both Latrell and Cody are off-contract at the end of next season but with talks progressing positively there’s every chance they can soon re-commit to the Bunnies.

It will be a huge coup for the red and green club and also for CEO Blake Solly.

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Kyle Flanagan shuts down Hull FC transfer rumours, news, contract, Canterbury Bulldogs, Michael Potter

Bulldogs halfback Kyle Flanagan has enjoyed a remarkable rise under interim boss Mick Potter in Canterbury, with the now free-scoring team surging up the ladder.

Now the 23-year-old number seven has shut down talk of a mooted move to the English Super League, declaring he ‘definitely’ wants to extend his time at the club.

Having been benched in the opening months of the season and subsequently for struggling form, Flanagan had been linked to a move to English side Hull FC in recent months.

But he shut that talk down at Tuesday’s press conference, laughing off a question around whether he had held talks with Hull.

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“No,” Flanagan laughed. “The first time I got out there on social media and shut that stuff down, that was the first I’d heard of it.

“I’m on contract here next year at the Bulldogs and keep winning footy games, I won’t have to listen to that sort of stuff.”

With his contract expiring at the end of 2023, Flanagan declared his allegiance to the Dogs long-term, stating his desire for a long-term deal.

“Yeah, I think so,” Flanagan replied to a question about remaining at the club.

“Obviously I live in Cronulla and I love the Bulldogs. They gave me an opportunity and I like to think I have turned things around and things are going forward for the club.

“As I said, if we keep winning and combinations keep building, this footy team is only going to get better.

“I’m loving my time here and I definitely want to extend here.”

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Flanagan was full of praise for interim boss Potter, declaring he has simplified the club’s on-field strategy and removed the shackles from the side.

“I can’t give any more credit to what Pottsy has done for me individually or this footy team.

“He is such a calm head and simplifies things so much for us. He just backs up and gives us confidence to go out there and play footy, and we do exactly that.

“We are repaying the faith he puts in us.”

“We are out there putting the wins on the board, the shackles are off and we are just playing what we see.,” he added.”

“It’s really exciting to be playing in this footy team and for myself, I’m just really enjoying my own footy and starting to love playing every weekend.”

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‘EMBARRASSING’: NRL slammed for ‘dumbest explanation’ over star’s non-charge

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Newcastle Knights, Adam O’Brien, squad, roster, management, players, David Klemmer

The Newcastle Knights and their coach Adam O’Brien are at a crossroads after a horror season that could see them go from the finals to the wooden spoon in one year.

The Knights have the worst defensive record in the NRL and their attack is not much better with the pressure ramping up on O’Brien to keep his job amid turmoil and player unrest at the club.

Paul Kent believes the recent changes to the club’s football department is evidence that the Knights desperately need to change the way they operate in time for next season.

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“This is a touchstone moment for Adam O’Brien,” Kent said on NRL 360.

“His career now is at a tipping point. After the season they have had where they have shown no improvement on the two previous seasons. In fact they have gone backwards.

“You have got player unrest. You have got a club that is trying to turn things around.

“Phil Gardner has moved himself away from much of the football operation, which he needed to do because he was inexperienced and after putting his toe in the water for 18 months he failed to come up with what they need.

“They have got a rookie football manager in Danny Buderus, who has suddenly been pushed sideways to bring in Peter Parr. They are trying to start the turnaround.

“Adam O’Brien has realized that he is either part of the solution or part of the problem and it starts now.”

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Knights coach Adam O’Brien.Source: Supplied

Phil Rothfield revealed O’Brien admitted he has eight weeks next season to turn things around, but Kent believes that might be generous, given their current predicament.

“Buzz said he has six to eight weeks next year,” Kent said.

“I don’t think he has got that because if the Knights find out eight weeks into next season that they have made a blue, then next season has gone as well.

“Adam O’Brien touched on in that press conference that their summer training was not up to speed this year as it should have been.

“He said, that is the one thing he would like to get in order going into next season. That’s where it starts for them next season. It begins for him now.”

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Klemmer sanctioned for abusing trainer | 02:55

Kent accused the Knights of being too soft on their players in the wake of the decision to reprimand David Klemmer.

“It began it appears today with David Klemmer and let’s talk about player discipline and how players buy into what is going on at teams,” Kent said.

“David Klemmer is known for not wanting to go off the field. Let’s cop that. It happened at Canterbury. It has happened before.

“But we talk about Brandon Smith and what Melbourne have done to him since he got sin-binned and suspended a couple of weeks back and how they drive their discipline, which Adam O’Brien has been aware of.

“I think for too long up there he has been running a soft ship and they basically have been taking the mickey out of him, so I think that is where it starts.”

Is O’Brien under pressure at Knights? | 05:59

The Daily Telegraph’s Dave Riccio agreed O’Brien’s future is on thin ice, given they are unlikely to win another game in 2022, with the wooden spoon a real possibility.

“I think Adam’s coaching career is right on the precipice,” Riccio said.

“Don’t forget this Newcastle Knights side can still get the wooden spoon. They play the Tigers this weekend.

“If they lose to the Tigers you can bet your bottom dollar the heat will be turned up.

“They then play the Broncos away. They play the Raiders at home. The Titans away and they finish with the Sharks at home.

“I haven’t got the Knights winning any of those games.”

Kent believes the introduction of Parr as the club’s director of football means that Phil Gardner will no longer have the final say on O’Brien’s future.

Inside Klemmer’s failed move to the Eels | 02:08

“Gardner has no longer got the say,” Kent said.

“Parr will have the say. Parr will sit there over summer and if he decides things aren’t looking the way they need to look, he can still find himself a coach.

“He has got trainers and strength and conditioning coaches in from the Roosters and the Panthers and everywhere else. They are in good hands there.”

Riccio agreed the board will decide who the long-term coach will be based on a recommendation from Parr.

“I think it will come down to the board,” Riccio said.

“I think Peter Parr has been put there for a reason. Not only for his experience and know how, but I believe he can make a tough call.

“And Gardner can remove himself from what has been a car crash since he got there.”

In light of O’Brien’s comments that he has seen what success looks like at the Storm and the Roosters, Kent believes it is time for less talk and more action at the Knights.

“At some point you have got to start living the standard and not talking the standard,” Kent said.

“I think for too long at Newcastle they talk about what they want to do.

“It has been going on for too long where they just basically pull the shades down over everybody’s eyes and say, don’t worry about us we are going OK, when in fact they are not doing what Newcastle are known for, which is playing tough, hard football and being constantly competitive.”

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Knights prop David Klemmer stood down following alleged verbal abuse of on-field trainer

Newcastle prop David Klemmer has been stood down by the Knights after he was issued with a show-cause notice “relating to on field disciplinary matters” during Sunday’s 24-10 NRL loss to Canterbury.

It is understood Klemmer, who was not included in the 22-man squad to face the Wests Tigers on Sunday, allegedly abused a club trainer and refused to be substituted.

The Knights have not put a timeframe on when the prop may return to action.

The former Australian representative was recently linked with a move to Parramatta.

The Klemmer development comes after Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien conceded he may have come across as an “egomaniac” after a “poorly-articulated” press conference following Sunday’s defeat.

Newcastle’s home record is 2-8 this season and, after the loss, O’Brien spoke of his track record of reaching four grand finals an assistant at the Sydney Roosters and Melbourne before getting the Knights job.

The 44-year-old, who took the Knights to the finals in 2020 and 2021, is currently coaching a side running 14th and on Tuesday moved to clarify his comments.

“I’d like that [press conference] back,” he said.

“It looks like I’m an egomaniac but that wasn’t the message.

“I was trying to talk to the supporter who sits on the hill who must be wondering if they practice defense. Do they do tackle technique at training? Are they fit and tough?”

O’Brien said his side had similar intensity to the Storm and the Roosters at training.

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David Klemmer, Newcastle Knights, disciplinary action, reason, dropped from team, video, reaction

Newcastle’s torrid season has gone from bad to worse, with enforcer David Klemmer issued a show cause notice over an on-field disciplinary issue.

The incident in question, according to The Daily Telegraph’s Paul Kent, came in the 71st minute of the Knights’ 24-10 loss to the Bulldogs.

Klemmer is said to have refused to come off the field and allegedly verbally abused Newcastle trainer Hayden Knowles, who was trying to make the substitution happen.

“It happened over a series of tackles throughout the last minutes of the game, where they continually tried to get him off the field,” Kent said on Fox League’s ‘NRL 360’.

“Now Klemmer just refused to go. He’s been disciplined, he hasn’t been chosen after this weekend’s game.”

The Knights released a statement on Tuesday confirming an on-field disciplinary matter had taken place, although they opted against going into any further details.

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The Daily Telegraph’s Paul Crawley described the show cause notice as “strange” given Newcastle had taken action by dropping Klemmer before giving him a chance to explain himself.

That was not all Crawley had to say though, with the veteran rugby league reporter claiming that Klemmer’s incident was only a smaller part of much bigger problems in the Hunter.

“It’s bigger than this,” Crawley said.

“There’s a problem up at Newcastle that everyone’s ducking and covering from, there’s players up there that aren’t happy. There’s a division within the club and no one can deny it. You’ve just got to look at their performances.

“There’s obviously some players out there that aren’t real happy and David Klemmer on the weekend has probably fired up.

“Something’s happened to him on the field, he didn’t want to come off but I assure you there’s got to be more to it.”

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David Klemmer is out of the Newcastle line-up this week. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Crawley’s theory was supported by Braith Anasta, who said blow-ups like the one Klemmer had on Sunday afternoon to being substituted off “happen every weekend”.

“That happens every weekend at a club where a player doesn’t want to come off the field or will argue with his trainers,” Anasta said.

“I don’t know to what extent, but a show cause notice is very dramatic at 6pm on a Tuesday night where they haven’t picked him in the side. There’s got to be more to it. There just has to be.”

As Kent went on to point out, there were reports that Parramatta was looking to snare Klemmer before the mid-season transfer deadline, only adding fuel to the fire.

“It’s interesting yesterday Parramatta approached the Knights to get him on a loan deal,” Kent said.

“My understanding is Klemmer was willing to go, but he’s got next year at Newcastle. He wanted next year at Parramatta plus the year after, which they were not willing to go to, which suggested the fact that maybe he was happy to leave Newcastle.”

JUDICIARY HEARING:Carrigan arrives at hearing as likely ban is revealed

Inside Klemmer’s failed move to the Eels | 02:08

Former teammate James Graham said that Klemmer “looks very frustrated” and could understand why he may have pushed against coming from the field.

“He has very high expectations of himself and takes pride in his performances and especially his numbers,” Graham said.

“He can be one of those guys who is reluctant to leave the field of play. This is against his old club from him as well. I can understand why he may have wanted to stay out there.

“There were times the rotation with those middle forwards and Klemmer would protest leaving the field of play if he thought he could have an impact on the result.”

Corey Parker though called it “a load of BS”, taking aim at Newcastle for disciplining Klemmer, who he called a “the alpha male of the club”.

“Seriously, dropping someone because he said no to coming off to the trainer,” Parker said.

“I played 16 years and everytime I was asked to come off I was reluctant to a point where I would say to the trainer a few expletives to let him know I didn’t want to come off. He’s the alpha male of the club playing against his former club.

O’Brien’s time at Knights running out? | 02:43

“Are we playing rugby league? He’s the front rower of a rugby league club, is he just going to bow and come off? I played with and against Klem and he’s a tough, uncompromising, resilient front rower.”

Graham though responded by pointing out that sometimes a player has to put their own personal thoughts to the side and prioritize the team’s best interests.

In this case, even though he thought the decision to take Klemmer off was “strange”, Graham said coach O’Brien may have been trying to set a standard by dropping the enforcer.

“No one wants to come off but if your club is seeing something and you’re part of a rotation and it’s coming from the top,” Graham said.

“It does seem strange [to take him off then]. We’ve all sprayed trainers. I think it’s the fact he didn’t come from the field of play. Personally, I think it’s they’ve had a bad week, O’Brien is trying to set a precedent and build his club from him.

“We’ve heard about O’Brien setting standards for next year.”

‘This is what gives me the s****!’ | 02:04

The drama is hardly what Newcastle needed as it looks to arrest a concerning form slump which has seen the club drop four-straight games and lose 14 of its past 17 to plummet down the ladder.

Knights coach Adam O’Brien came under fire earlier in the week for his comments after the latest loss to the Bulldogs, in which he pointed out his involvement in “four grand finals.”

“It is a hard one for me as well,” O’Brien said at the post-match press conference.

“Previous to getting this job here I was involved in four grand finals.

“I know how those teams prepared. I know the systems they used defensively.

“You don’t unlearn that knowledge. Applying it and getting it ingrained is going to take some time clearly.

“Week to week we can talk about one area of ​​that defense and we can fix it in seven days, but then we will let another area of ​​our defense down.

“It is going to take a bit of time and I know some people don’t want to wait that long, but it is.”

Adam O’Brien’s coaching has come under scrutiny. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

O’Brien spoke to the media again on Tuesday to clarify those comments, admitting he would “like to have” that press conference back.

“I clearly did not articulate the message I was going to get across and I apologize for that,” he said.

“It looks like I’m an egomaniac. I was trying to get my message across to the supporter who sits on the hill that must be wondering do they practice defense and tackle technique? Are they fit, tough?

“I was trying to talk to them that the boys are training at a really high standard. I’ve tried to give hope to people on the hill that we are training at a high level – that’s not translating to the field and that responsibility is squarely on me.

“I’m not taking the accolades of the success at those clubs, that is Craig (Bellamy’s) and Trent (Robinson’s) work. I’m trying to create that here. We are on the path but we aren’t there yet.”

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ARLC chairman Peter V’landys, suburban stadium upgrades NRL, Penrith Stadium, Shark Park, NSW Government, Dominic Perrottet, news, Queensland grand final

Sydney is at risk of losing the NRL grand final to its northern rivals unless the NSW Government delivers on its promise to upgrade suburban stadiums.

ARLC chairman Peter V’landys had a meeting with Premier Dominic Perrottet on Monday night, hoping to guarantee the deal to revamp four stadiums would be honored.

The agreement would see Brookvale Oval, Leichhardt Oval, Penrith Stadium and Shark Park receive significant upgrades — and if delivered, the grand finale would remain in Sydney for the next 20 years until 2042.

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But, according to The Daily Telegraph, V’landys is fuming as the initial deal struck in May to spend $800 million on stadium improvements is now in doubt.

“We are in delicate negotiations with the NSW government,” V’landys said.

“All options will be on the table if these negotiations fail.”

Last year, the Queensland government allowed the competition to continue, relocating all teams into the ‘Sunshine State’ due to Covid-19.

As a result, the end-of-year spectacle was played at Suncorp Stadium and now V’landys has left the door open for Queensland to host the grand final again if no deal is confirmed with the NSW government.

How long will Carrigan get for hip drop? | 03:22

Meanwhile, the only stadium given confirmation of a $300 million upgrade has been Penrith’s — in the electorate of sports minister Stuart Ayres.

Mr Ayres told 2GB on Tuesday that the Premier’s negotiations are “ongoing” with the NRL, but explained there were “limitations” to the budget.

“We have been really clear with the NRL about the limitations that exist on our budget,” he said.

“We have invested well in excess of $1.5 billion. Part of that is to say that we would like to have a long-term commitment from the NRL for the grand finale.

“I think there comes a point where you have got to say we have invested enough in that sporting infrastructure and when we have got the capacity to invest in more sporting infrastructure in the future there is no reason why we won’t do that.”

During the Covid pandemic, the $800 million upgrade of Accor Stadium was scrapped and the NRL moved to shift those funds to suburban grounds — and as a result the grand finale would remain in Sydney.

But now, that money which was said to be allocated towards Brookvale, Leichhardt and Sharks Park is unlikely to be put towards upgrades.

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The Queensland government is now readying a bid to claim to NRL grand final for years to come.

2GB’S Ben Fordham questioned Mr Ayres surrounding the Panthers upgrade being approved, while other grounds are looking unlikely to receive any funding.

“You’re the Sports Minister, your home ground is Penrith, you’re a Panthers fan and for all I know you’re probably the number one ticket holder,” Fordham said.

“So they got the $300 million, so what about Brookvale, Shark Park, Leichhardt Oval… I would be seriously surprised if you don’t know the answer I am posing to you.

“Why did your home ground get the money at your home ground and the others didn’t?

“Why don’t we just tell the listeners now, those other grounds aren’t getting their redevelopments?”

“Ben, there’s a long-term strategy,” Ayres said.

Inside Klemmer’s failed move to the Eels | 02:08

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“We made decisions in what was the best interests of the public.

“We’ve had a long-term stadia strategy that we’ve been delivering since 2015. We’ve rebuilt Parramatta Stadium, we’re just about to open the new Sydney Football stadium.

“We’re committed to a stadium in Penrith, it reflects our three city strategy.

“We’ve invested well in excess of $1.5b dollars, part of that is, we’d like to have a long-term commitment from the NRL for the grand finale.

“We’ve just had Covid, we’ve had substantial flood impacts that have put more pressure on the budget.”

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Knights coach under pressure, Adam O’Brien, sacked, press conference, Buzz Rothfield, coach fired, news, highlights, NRL 360

Knights coach Adam O’Brien has reportedly conceded the club’s 2022 campaign is over — putting a timeline on his own tenure as the man to lead Newcastle forward.

The Knights have struggled this season, recording only five wins from 19 games, with pressure mounting on the men from the Hunter to turn their fortunes around.

O’Brien’s future as the club’s head coach has been firmly thrust into the spotlight, and now the 44-year-old has admitted he may have “six to eight weeks” at the start of the 2023 season to save his job.

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“I spoke to Adam O’Brien this morning, he asked me ‘how are the punters seeing it from outside’,” The Daily Telegraph’s Buzz Rothfield said on NRL360.

“I said I think everyone is happy that you are safe for the rest of the year, I then said I think you have six to eight weeks at the start of next year.

“I have agreed, 100% I have agreed.”

But NRL360 co-host Paul Kent disagreed, questioning why the club would take a gamble on a coach that has failed to meet expectations in 2022.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have signed Peter Parr as the director of football, handing over control of the Knights’ football operations.

How long will Carrigan get for hip drop? | 03:22

Kent believes that Parr won’t be willing to gamble at the start of next season as beginning each year strong is crucial to slotting into the top eight.

“If that is the case, I would now shorten that, Peter Parr has now come into the club, why would Newcastle take a gamble on the start of next year?” Kent asked.

“If you gamble the first six to eight weeks next year, after that it is all over.”

“What he is saying is this season is over, what he is saying is that the patience and the loyalty that he expects from the board will go for six to eight weeks next year,” Rothfield said.

NRL360 host Braith Anasta likened O’Brien’s situation to that of embattled Titans coach Justin Holbrook — who is also facing the ax after a tumultuous 2022 campaign.

Both made the decision to dump experienced halfbacks in Mitchell Pearce and Jamal Fogarty, and both are paying the price.

“The start of next year is just everything for both coaches,” Anasta said.

“The six weeks to start next year is going to be everything.”

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V’landys moves transfer deadline | 03:02

“The halfback, Mitchell Pearce going, he took them to finals two years in a row and he walked,” Rothfield added.

Meanwhile, O’Brien came under fire for referencing his resume as an assistant after the club’s poor performance against the Bulldogs.

O’Brien worked under Craig Bellamy during a successful period for the Melbourne Storm, explaining he knows how to win premierships.

“Previous to getting this job here I was involved in four grand finals,” O’Brien said.

“I know how those teams prepared. I know the systems they used defensively.

“You don’t unlearn that knowledge. Applying it and getting it ingrained is clearly going to take some time.”

Kent slammed O’Brien’s claims, explaining there is a major difference between watching someone else teach a system and implementing it in your own team.

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Inside Klemmer’s failed move to the Eels | 02:08

“If Adam O’Brien had his chance again he would have shut up and said nothing,” Kent said.

“And what he said there is irrelevant because it doesn’t matter if you have seen it… you have got to start being the head coach and making decisions.

“There is a big difference between being the assistant and the head coach, to know what it looks like doesn’t mean you can teach it.

“Everyone just looks at what everyone is doing, okay we will start coaching that.

“We spoke about it earlier in the year when Trent Barrett was trying to integrate Penrith’s style of attack into Canterbury.

“They are two different playing groups and sometimes you can’t just sit down and teach a fifth grader four-unit maths, you need to take the stepping stones to get there.”

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David Klemmer Eels transfer blocked, mid-season move, Knights prop, Parramatta Eels, Newcastle Knights, loan deal, transfers, contracts, news

The Parramatta Eels reportedly were blocked in their attempts to sign Knights enforcer David Klemmer for the remainder of the 2022 season on a loan deal.

Reports circled Sea Eagles prop Marty Taupau would make the short move, but that play was rejected by Manly coach Des Hasler.

Brad Arthur then turned his attention elsewhere in a bid to secure a front rower before the August 1 deadline but Knights powerbrokers also denied the request according to The Daily Telegraph’s Buzz Rothfield.

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“They contacted Clint Zammit, who took it to Adam O’Brien and the senior management at the Knights… they made the decision, and they made it about an hour ago that they would not realize him,” Rothfield said on NRL360.

Rothfield revealed there were a number of sticking points that were unable to be negotiated, including the length of the deal.

The Eels reportedly wanted Klemmer on a short-term loan, but the bustling prop wanted a longer contract to extend his stay at Parramatta past 2022.

“I think there were too many issues involved in the deal, David Klemmer, to join Parramatta for these five games, wanted two years, not just the last year of his contract,” Rothfield said.

“And there were a lot of things like this they couldn’t sort their way through.”

Is O’Brien under pressure at Knights? | 05:59

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“So he would have gone for the remainder of this season and then another couple of seasons on top of that,” Fox League’s James Hooper said.

While the 28-year-old has been one of Newcastle’s best in 2022, Rothfield believes a move for Klemmer was entertained by Newcastle powerbrokers and could have been finalized.

Knights coach Adam O’Brien was said to have met with club bosses on Monday afternoon who reportedly “wouldn’t have fought too hard to keep him”.

“I can’t sit here and say that definitely, but what I am hearing within the club they wouldn’t have fought too hard to keep him,” Rothfield said.

“If the right deal could have been done, why would that have been? He is only 28, he has been around, he has played Origin, he has played Test matches.

V’landys moves transfer deadline | 03:02

“I think there is a feeling around the club that Klemmer hasn’t fitted into game plans like they’d probably hope he had had this year.

“That he might take one or two too many carries each half, when Joey has trained them during the week to switch it or spin it or whatever.

“I just think he can be a hard guy to coach, and that is why I am saying that I don’t think they would have tried overly hard, they wouldn’t have kicked him out the door, but that is why they entertained it today.”

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