BY CURTIS WOODWARD

@woodward_curtis

COMMENT

David Klemmer is as passionate a New South Welshman as you will find anywhere. The only thing the monstrous prop enjoys more than pulling on a Blues jersey is smearing it with the maroon blood of his opponents.

He is the type of guy you build a representative forward pack around.

Klemmer picks himself.

Unfortunately, nobody told the mad scientist, Bradley S. Fittler

Despite being one of NSW’s best in Game I in Brisbane, it appears there isn’t any room for the Newcastle firebrand. Klemmer missed Game II due to injury but has been overlooked for selection on his home patch at ANZ Stadium.

Klemmer was also man of the match in his return to the Knights on the weekend where his side torched the hapless Brisbane Broncos.

But after what happened in Game II at Optus Stadium, you kind of have to just go with Fittler’s call.

Fittler was smashed from all angles for his selections and the axing of Latrell Mitchell.

NSW won big.

The issue is what message Klemmer’s non-selection sends to Klemmer himself.

Tariq Sims has kept his spot. All Sims has to do is beat a charge at the judiciary and he’s in. Funnily, it was Sims who replaced Matt Prior for NSW after a winning performance at ANZ Stadium in 2018.

Change a winning side for Sims but you can’t bring Klemmer back?

NSW got rid of Latrell because he wanted someone there that was going to give everything he had. Origin moments and all that.

Hasn’t Klemmer proved that enough times to walk back into the team?

This isn’t even about just how passionate the former Bulldog is about his state.

How about the fact that he’s one of the best front rowers of the modern era?

Klemmer broke his wrist playing for the Blues in Brisbane. It’s the only reason he missed Game II.

So what happens now if Sims is suspended and they bring Klemmer back?

That’s on the mad scientist.

Do your thing Freddy.

@woodward_curtis