Player revolt at Newcastle as David Klemmer’s teammates back him after he was stood down for ABUSING Knights trainer – and he ‘could be sacked immediately’
- Prop David Klemmer is reportedly on the verge of getting sacked by Knights
- Comes after front-rower abused veteran trainer Hayden Knowles last Sunday
- Klemmer, 28, was issued a show cause notice, has backing of his teammates
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
An ugly player revolt is looming at Newcastle amid reports prop David Klemmer could be sacked immediately.
Klemmer, 28, who at his peak was regarded as one of the premier front-rowers in the NRL, was stood down for this weekend’s round 21 clash versus the Tigers.
The penalty came after he verbally abused Knights trainer Hayden Knowles and refused to come off the field during the club’s 24-10 loss to the Bulldogs last Sunday.
He has the backing of his teammates as he fights for his future at the club, where he is on a deal worth $900,000 a year until the end of 2023.
Klemmer was issued a show cause notice by the club to explain his on-field behaviour, and earlier this week there were reports the club turned down his request to move to Parramatta before the August 1 deadline.
A player revolt is looming at Newcastle amid reports prop David Klemmer (pictured middle) could be sacked immediately
Klemmer was issued a show cause notice after he verbally abused Knights trainer Hayden Knowles (right) during the club’s 24-10 loss to the Bulldogs last Sunday
He won’t play for Newcastle again until he responds to the club’s breach notice.
‘The Newcastle Knights have issued David Klemmer with a show-cause notice relating to on field disciplinary matters in last Sunday’s match against Canterbury,’ a Knights statement read.
‘No further correspondence will be entered into until the show cause hearing process has been completed.’
The show cause followed Klemmer refusing to leave the field in the 71st minute against the Bulldogs when instructed to by Knowles.
He allegedly ignored the request and stayed on the field for another two minutes before eventually coming off.
Klemmer is believed to have the backing of his teammates, and has been one of Newcastle’s better players this year
Klemmer joined the Knights in 2019 and is renowned for his competitive nature and driving high standards
Klemmer then screamed in the direction of the veteran trainer as he made his way to the bench.
It has been a season to forget for Newcastle, who sit in 14th spot after just five wins this year.
Many of their performances on home soil in front of their loyal fans have been diabolical, with coach Adam O’Brien under increasing pressure to keep his job.
He raised eyebrows on Sunday after bizarrely declaring he was part of four premierships – as an assistant coach – at the Storm and Roosters before taking over the Knights in 2020.
A loss to the resurgent Tigers at Campbelltown Sports Stadium will only heap more pressure on O’Brien and the Knights.
More Stories
Furious Lions star Dayne Zorko claims AFL has legalised attacks on players’ genitals after rival who left him with ‘bruised’ groin got off with just a fine
Manchester United 2-3 Borussia Dortmund: Errors in defence lead Ten Hag’s men to defeat in Las Vegas
LeBron James ‘kept telling diners how grateful he was’ to be at dinner with son Bronny, 18, just four days after his cardiac arrest in basketball practice