Berkeley_Eagle
Current Status: 24/7 Manly Fan
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/kg-pup-david-klemmer-ready-to-tear-apart-the-nrl/story-e6frexnr-1226532448852
MEET the kid that every NRL club wants. At 18, David Klemmer is already drawing comparisons to"Glenn Lazarus in his hey day”.
If you wonder why everyone wants him, try these figures on for size.
Klemmer is 120kg and plays the best part of 80 minutes every game.
In 2012 he ran for a staggering 4208 metres - the only player to make over 4000 metres in the Toyota Cup competition.
And to make Parramatta fans squirm even more after missing out on Israel Folau, Klemmer was an Eels junior pinched by arch rivals Canterbury when he was 15.
Recruitment guru Peter Mulholland is now with the Newcastle Knights but worked for the Bulldogs back then when he snared Klemmer.
Mulholland recalled this week: “He was wearing a size 18 shoe when he was 15. He came from Parramatta but they didn’t want to do anything with him as a 15-year-old so I brought him over to play Harold Matthews at Canterbury.â€
As rugby league fans count down the weeks to the 2013 NRL season, The Daily Telegraph this week went searching for the best youngsters most league fans have never heard of - but we can guarantee you will know them by this time next year.
DAVID KLEMMER (Bulldogs)
Age: 18 Height: 199cm Weight: 120kg
Made 4208 metres in the NYC last season, the only player to make over 4000 metres, he also busted 137 tackles and made 55 offloads.
Forget Folau, Klemmer is the kid Parramatta should never have let go. Klemmer was the 2012 Dally M Toyota Cup player of the year and has the aggression to match his enormous frame.
“If you were going to liken him to one prop it would be Glenn Lazarus in his hey day in the sense he can carry forward for you and he is hardly ever rolled, Mulholland said.
“This kid is like Lazarus in that he is strong and powerful.â€
Klemmer is off contract in 2013 and rival clubs are already circling.
CALEB TIMU (Broncos)
Age: 18 Height: 190cm Weight: 105kg
Scored 19 tries in just 23 matches last season, the most for the Broncos and the most by any forward in the NYC.
In Queensland, they are talking about Caleb Timu as the backrower who will “terrorise NSW for years to comeâ€.
The 18-year-old was the star of the Maroons under-18s' win over the Blues this year when he scored two tries in the 24-18 win.
It was a performance likened to Gorden Tallis at his rampaging best and good NYC judges reckon the 190cm-108kg wrecking machine is one to watch out for.
MITCH CORNISH (Raiders)
Age: 19 Height: 176cm Weight: 83kg
Made 22 line-breaks, 29 try assists and 38 line-break assists last season.
Mitch Cornish is the captain of the talented Canberra under-20s team that made the grand final and the club holds the young halfback in such high regard they have locked him away until the end of 2015.
He played for the Goulburn Stockmen as a junior and says Laurie Daley was his hero growing up. In 2012, Cornish made 22 line-breaks, 29 try assists and 38 line-break assists giving him some of the best stats in the NYC.
CHRIS GREVSMUHL (Cowboys)
Age: 19 Height: 185cm Weight: 102kg
Averaged 121metres per game and made a total of 16 linebreaks last season.
North Queensland can find a talented backrower. Think Tariq Sims, Jason Taumalolo … and now Chris Grevsmuhl.
He represented Queensland in this year’s inaugural junior State of Origin match and was rewarded for another good year with a spot in the Junior Kangaroos at lock.
He also represented Australia at schoolboy level and was named in the 2012 Toyota Cup team of the year.
MATTHEW RUSSELL (Titans)
Age: 19
Russell made a two-try debut for hometown club Wigan in 2012 and had a successful loan spell at Hull FC, making eight Super League appearances.
Matthew Russell hails from the north of England but has come to Australia at just 19 in search of his rugby league future.
Stuck behind Test fullback Sam Tomkins at Wigan, Russell has signed a two-year deal with the Titans and has done everything to impress the club since his arrival.
With William Zillman ahead of him, Russell will have to bide his time but he is still eligible for under-20s next year.
MICHAEL CHEE KAM (Sea Eagles)
Age: 20 Height: 190cm Weight: 100kg
In 2012 he made 16 line-breaks, 39 offloads and busted 99 tackles, as well as averaging 144 metres per game.
Here’s another one that will test the State of Origin eligibility laws.
Michael Chee Kam is Kiwi junior who played for the Australian schoolboys and now calls the northern beaches home. So expect Queensland to come calling.
Seriously, this kid played for the Raiders in 2012 and has that Frank Pritchard style about him.
The Sea Eagles signed him to a three-year deal and he could be the man to fill the void left by big Tony Williams.
KURT MANN (Storm)
Age: 19 Height: 183cm Weight: 83kg
In 2012, Mann made 22 linebreaks and busted 143 tackles as well as averaging 144 metres per game.
The Knights didn’t want to lose this kid but they couldn’t match the money on offer at the Storm. Kurt Mann played fullback at Newcastle but has gone to Melbourne on the promise he will play in the halves.
Perhaps the plan is to shift Gareth Widdop into the centres to make way for Mann to play fi ve-eighth. In 2012, Mann made 22 linebreaks and 143 tackle busts as well as averaging 144 metres per game in Toyota Cup.
MARIKA KOROIBETE (Wests Tigers)
Age: 20 Height: 180cm Weight: 90kg
Scored four tries in his second NRL match and scored 19 tries and made 20 linebreaks in 14 Toyota cup games last season.
They took out the under-20s grand final so there is no shortage of talent coming through at the Tigers. But on raw talent alone it’s hard to go past Marika Koroibete.
In just his second NRL game this year Koroibete scored four tries and finished with 19 all up in NYC with 20 linebreaks in 14 games including a freakish four-pointer in the grand fi nal win.
Won a spot on the wing in the Toyota Cup team of the year.
ADAM CLYDSDALE (Knights)
Age: 19 Height: 178cm Weight: 87kg
Averaged the most tackles for the Knights NYC team last season with 32.3 per game, while also making eight linebreaks and creating eight tries.
They say it’s dangerous putting too big a wrap on a young talent but here goes. Adam Clydesdale is a Cameron Smith clone.
Smart, tough and the ultimate competitor.
The kid from Scone was the Knights’ Toyota Cup player of the year and players’ player and with Danny Buderus in his final year expect Clydesdale to be groomed as his long-term replacement.
PAULI PAULI (Eels)
Age: 18 Height: 188cm Weight: 105kg
Made 13 line-breaks in 13 matches last season, equal most for the Eels, while also averaging 101 metres per game.
Pauli Pauli is a name that is easy to remember and when you see this bloke play you will understand why his name promises to be around for a long time at Parramatta.
An Australian schoolboy, the 18-year-old made 13 line-breaks in as many matches this year, the equal most for the Eels.
An athletic backrower with size to match his speed and skills, he averaged 101 metres per game.
KANE EVANS (Roosters)
Age: 20 Height: 192cm Weight: 110kg
Averaged 16.7 runs and 171 metres per NYC game in 2012, the most of any Rooster forward.
He also made 14 linebreaks and 29 offloads.
The Bondi club has a stack of terrific young backs who have already made a statement in the NRL - but everyone you speak to at the club says Kane Evans is the young forward ready to stamp his mark.
Averaged 16.7 runs in Toyota Cup for 171 metres a game in 2012, the most of any Rooster forward.
A big ball-playing prop with plenty of aggression, he was a standout in the junior State of Origin match.
CARLOS TUIMAVAVE (Warriors)
Age: 20 Height: 187cm Weight: 88kg
Made his NRL debut in 2012, playing five matches in which he made three linebreaks and had four linebreak assists and three try assists.
Trying to identify the best young kid in New Zealand is like picking the Lotto numbers but most good judges agree Carlos Tuimavave could be anything.
Made his NRL debut in 2012 and played five matches but with James Maloney now at the Roosters expect Tuimavave to become a regular in the NRL next year.
Was in the NYC team of the year at fi ve-eighth.
GEORGE BURGESS (Rabbitohs)
Age: 20 Height: 194cm Weight: 118kg
In nine NYC games last season he averaged 141 metres and 23.1 tackles per game. He also made his NRL debut last season, playing three matches.
George Burgess might have got his start at Souths because of his big brother is Sam but don’t for a minute think he doesn’t have what it takes to cut it in the NRL.
At 194cm, he tips the scales at 120kg and has biceps almost as big as Adam Reynolds.
He averaged 141 metres in NYC this year and played three NRL games but expect plenty more next year.
GEORGE JENNINGS (Panthers)
Height: 182cm Weight: 92kg
Averaged 136 metres per game, made 18 linebreaks and busted 74 tackles in 2012.
George Jennings is Michael’s little brother and the middle of the trio playing at Penrith.
Like his older brother he plays in the centres and has speed to burn. His 2012 season was hampered by injury but he still averaged 136 metres a game this year, made 18 linebreaks and 74 tackle busts.
MICHAEL LICHAA (Sharks)
Age: 19 Height: 183cm Weight: 93kg
In 2012 he made 13 linebreaks, busted 88 tackles and averaged 26.7 tackles per game.
One of the most talked about talents in Toyota Cup, hooker Michael Lichaa is a Cronulla junior who debuted as a 17-year-old in Toyota Cup in 2011 and this year graduated into the team of the year.
Played in the junior State of Origin match and was a Junior Kangaroo. Lichaa will be pushing for an NRL spot in 2013 and down the track anything is possible.
EVANDER CUMMINS (Dragons)
Age: 19 Height: 176cm Weight: 81kg
Despite playing just 16 Toyota Cup matches last season, he made 36 linebreaks and busted 192 tackles, the most of any NYC player in both categories.
The Dragons signed Gerard Beale from Brisbane to play fullback but young hotshot Evander Cummins must be banging at the door for a spot on the bench.
He was fullback in the Toyota Cup team of the year and despite playing just 16 games made 36 linebreaks and busted 192 tackles, the most of any NYC player in both categories.
MEET the kid that every NRL club wants. At 18, David Klemmer is already drawing comparisons to"Glenn Lazarus in his hey day”.
If you wonder why everyone wants him, try these figures on for size.
Klemmer is 120kg and plays the best part of 80 minutes every game.
In 2012 he ran for a staggering 4208 metres - the only player to make over 4000 metres in the Toyota Cup competition.
And to make Parramatta fans squirm even more after missing out on Israel Folau, Klemmer was an Eels junior pinched by arch rivals Canterbury when he was 15.
Recruitment guru Peter Mulholland is now with the Newcastle Knights but worked for the Bulldogs back then when he snared Klemmer.
Mulholland recalled this week: “He was wearing a size 18 shoe when he was 15. He came from Parramatta but they didn’t want to do anything with him as a 15-year-old so I brought him over to play Harold Matthews at Canterbury.â€
As rugby league fans count down the weeks to the 2013 NRL season, The Daily Telegraph this week went searching for the best youngsters most league fans have never heard of - but we can guarantee you will know them by this time next year.
DAVID KLEMMER (Bulldogs)
Age: 18 Height: 199cm Weight: 120kg
Made 4208 metres in the NYC last season, the only player to make over 4000 metres, he also busted 137 tackles and made 55 offloads.
Forget Folau, Klemmer is the kid Parramatta should never have let go. Klemmer was the 2012 Dally M Toyota Cup player of the year and has the aggression to match his enormous frame.
“If you were going to liken him to one prop it would be Glenn Lazarus in his hey day in the sense he can carry forward for you and he is hardly ever rolled, Mulholland said.
“This kid is like Lazarus in that he is strong and powerful.â€
Klemmer is off contract in 2013 and rival clubs are already circling.
CALEB TIMU (Broncos)
Age: 18 Height: 190cm Weight: 105kg
Scored 19 tries in just 23 matches last season, the most for the Broncos and the most by any forward in the NYC.
In Queensland, they are talking about Caleb Timu as the backrower who will “terrorise NSW for years to comeâ€.
The 18-year-old was the star of the Maroons under-18s' win over the Blues this year when he scored two tries in the 24-18 win.
It was a performance likened to Gorden Tallis at his rampaging best and good NYC judges reckon the 190cm-108kg wrecking machine is one to watch out for.
MITCH CORNISH (Raiders)
Age: 19 Height: 176cm Weight: 83kg
Made 22 line-breaks, 29 try assists and 38 line-break assists last season.
Mitch Cornish is the captain of the talented Canberra under-20s team that made the grand final and the club holds the young halfback in such high regard they have locked him away until the end of 2015.
He played for the Goulburn Stockmen as a junior and says Laurie Daley was his hero growing up. In 2012, Cornish made 22 line-breaks, 29 try assists and 38 line-break assists giving him some of the best stats in the NYC.
CHRIS GREVSMUHL (Cowboys)
Age: 19 Height: 185cm Weight: 102kg
Averaged 121metres per game and made a total of 16 linebreaks last season.
North Queensland can find a talented backrower. Think Tariq Sims, Jason Taumalolo … and now Chris Grevsmuhl.
He represented Queensland in this year’s inaugural junior State of Origin match and was rewarded for another good year with a spot in the Junior Kangaroos at lock.
He also represented Australia at schoolboy level and was named in the 2012 Toyota Cup team of the year.
MATTHEW RUSSELL (Titans)
Age: 19
Russell made a two-try debut for hometown club Wigan in 2012 and had a successful loan spell at Hull FC, making eight Super League appearances.
Matthew Russell hails from the north of England but has come to Australia at just 19 in search of his rugby league future.
Stuck behind Test fullback Sam Tomkins at Wigan, Russell has signed a two-year deal with the Titans and has done everything to impress the club since his arrival.
With William Zillman ahead of him, Russell will have to bide his time but he is still eligible for under-20s next year.
MICHAEL CHEE KAM (Sea Eagles)
Age: 20 Height: 190cm Weight: 100kg
In 2012 he made 16 line-breaks, 39 offloads and busted 99 tackles, as well as averaging 144 metres per game.
Here’s another one that will test the State of Origin eligibility laws.
Michael Chee Kam is Kiwi junior who played for the Australian schoolboys and now calls the northern beaches home. So expect Queensland to come calling.
Seriously, this kid played for the Raiders in 2012 and has that Frank Pritchard style about him.
The Sea Eagles signed him to a three-year deal and he could be the man to fill the void left by big Tony Williams.
KURT MANN (Storm)
Age: 19 Height: 183cm Weight: 83kg
In 2012, Mann made 22 linebreaks and busted 143 tackles as well as averaging 144 metres per game.
The Knights didn’t want to lose this kid but they couldn’t match the money on offer at the Storm. Kurt Mann played fullback at Newcastle but has gone to Melbourne on the promise he will play in the halves.
Perhaps the plan is to shift Gareth Widdop into the centres to make way for Mann to play fi ve-eighth. In 2012, Mann made 22 linebreaks and 143 tackle busts as well as averaging 144 metres per game in Toyota Cup.
MARIKA KOROIBETE (Wests Tigers)
Age: 20 Height: 180cm Weight: 90kg
Scored four tries in his second NRL match and scored 19 tries and made 20 linebreaks in 14 Toyota cup games last season.
They took out the under-20s grand final so there is no shortage of talent coming through at the Tigers. But on raw talent alone it’s hard to go past Marika Koroibete.
In just his second NRL game this year Koroibete scored four tries and finished with 19 all up in NYC with 20 linebreaks in 14 games including a freakish four-pointer in the grand fi nal win.
Won a spot on the wing in the Toyota Cup team of the year.
ADAM CLYDSDALE (Knights)
Age: 19 Height: 178cm Weight: 87kg
Averaged the most tackles for the Knights NYC team last season with 32.3 per game, while also making eight linebreaks and creating eight tries.
They say it’s dangerous putting too big a wrap on a young talent but here goes. Adam Clydesdale is a Cameron Smith clone.
Smart, tough and the ultimate competitor.
The kid from Scone was the Knights’ Toyota Cup player of the year and players’ player and with Danny Buderus in his final year expect Clydesdale to be groomed as his long-term replacement.
PAULI PAULI (Eels)
Age: 18 Height: 188cm Weight: 105kg
Made 13 line-breaks in 13 matches last season, equal most for the Eels, while also averaging 101 metres per game.
Pauli Pauli is a name that is easy to remember and when you see this bloke play you will understand why his name promises to be around for a long time at Parramatta.
An Australian schoolboy, the 18-year-old made 13 line-breaks in as many matches this year, the equal most for the Eels.
An athletic backrower with size to match his speed and skills, he averaged 101 metres per game.
KANE EVANS (Roosters)
Age: 20 Height: 192cm Weight: 110kg
Averaged 16.7 runs and 171 metres per NYC game in 2012, the most of any Rooster forward.
He also made 14 linebreaks and 29 offloads.
The Bondi club has a stack of terrific young backs who have already made a statement in the NRL - but everyone you speak to at the club says Kane Evans is the young forward ready to stamp his mark.
Averaged 16.7 runs in Toyota Cup for 171 metres a game in 2012, the most of any Rooster forward.
A big ball-playing prop with plenty of aggression, he was a standout in the junior State of Origin match.
CARLOS TUIMAVAVE (Warriors)
Age: 20 Height: 187cm Weight: 88kg
Made his NRL debut in 2012, playing five matches in which he made three linebreaks and had four linebreak assists and three try assists.
Trying to identify the best young kid in New Zealand is like picking the Lotto numbers but most good judges agree Carlos Tuimavave could be anything.
Made his NRL debut in 2012 and played five matches but with James Maloney now at the Roosters expect Tuimavave to become a regular in the NRL next year.
Was in the NYC team of the year at fi ve-eighth.
GEORGE BURGESS (Rabbitohs)
Age: 20 Height: 194cm Weight: 118kg
In nine NYC games last season he averaged 141 metres and 23.1 tackles per game. He also made his NRL debut last season, playing three matches.
George Burgess might have got his start at Souths because of his big brother is Sam but don’t for a minute think he doesn’t have what it takes to cut it in the NRL.
At 194cm, he tips the scales at 120kg and has biceps almost as big as Adam Reynolds.
He averaged 141 metres in NYC this year and played three NRL games but expect plenty more next year.
GEORGE JENNINGS (Panthers)
Height: 182cm Weight: 92kg
Averaged 136 metres per game, made 18 linebreaks and busted 74 tackles in 2012.
George Jennings is Michael’s little brother and the middle of the trio playing at Penrith.
Like his older brother he plays in the centres and has speed to burn. His 2012 season was hampered by injury but he still averaged 136 metres a game this year, made 18 linebreaks and 74 tackle busts.
MICHAEL LICHAA (Sharks)
Age: 19 Height: 183cm Weight: 93kg
In 2012 he made 13 linebreaks, busted 88 tackles and averaged 26.7 tackles per game.
One of the most talked about talents in Toyota Cup, hooker Michael Lichaa is a Cronulla junior who debuted as a 17-year-old in Toyota Cup in 2011 and this year graduated into the team of the year.
Played in the junior State of Origin match and was a Junior Kangaroo. Lichaa will be pushing for an NRL spot in 2013 and down the track anything is possible.
EVANDER CUMMINS (Dragons)
Age: 19 Height: 176cm Weight: 81kg
Despite playing just 16 Toyota Cup matches last season, he made 36 linebreaks and busted 192 tackles, the most of any NYC player in both categories.
The Dragons signed Gerard Beale from Brisbane to play fullback but young hotshot Evander Cummins must be banging at the door for a spot on the bench.
He was fullback in the Toyota Cup team of the year and despite playing just 16 games made 36 linebreaks and busted 192 tackles, the most of any NYC player in both categories.
