The St. George Illawarra Dragons proudly announced on March 14, 2025, the signing of veteran front-rower David Klemmer for the entirety of the 2025 season. This high-profile move follows the immediate release of winger Mikaele Ravalawa, creating necessary salary cap space for Klemmer, who has had quite the storied career.
At 31 years old, Klemmer boasts impressive credentials, with 238 first-grade games to his name, including 19 Tests for Australia and 14 State of Origin appearances for New South Wales. His experience on the field is expected to bolster the Dragons' middle forward stocks, making him not just a key player but also a mentor for younger athletes.
Dragons Head Coach Shane Flanagan expressed satisfaction with the acquisition, stating, "I've said publicly we are looking to bolster our middle forward stocks for this season so David is a great pick-up for us. He's a different body shape to what we've got in our forward pack currently and also brings some great experience at Test, Origin and club level." Flanagan recognizes the value Klemmer adds to the team dynamics.
The strategic release of Ravalawa appears to be part of the club’s forward-thinking plan. Ravalawa's exit is only temporary; he is expected to join the South Sydney Rabbitohs for the duration of the 2025 season but will return to the Dragons for the 2026 pre-season, thereby keeping options open for his future.
This decision to part ways with Ravalawa allowed the Dragons to maneuver within the strict salary cap imposed by the NRL. The Dragons had reached the maximum of 30 players on their roster, necessitating this difficult choice to optimize their chances for the current season.
Klemmer’s release from the Wests Tigers was not without its challenges. He had been out of favor with the club, which had been actively searching for opportunities to reduce his hefty salary as part of restructuring efforts. Tigers CEO Shane Richardson noted the circumstances leading to Klemmer’s release, emphasizing, "We understand and support his desire to take on new challenges and we wish him and his family all the best in the future. Klemmer has been a great clubman, and we thank him for his contributions to our club."
Having joined the Tigers at the beginning of 2023, Klemmer played 44 games over two seasons but recently found himself sidelined as management looked to recalibrate their roster. The timing of his departure aligns with the urgent needs of the Dragons; they have been facing significant challenges due to injuries and form issues within their front row. The club's community and fans are hoping Klemmer’s arrival revitalizes their fortunes as they strive for success this season.
“Given the Dragons had the maximum 30 players on their roster, to facilitate Klemmer, they parted ways with Ravalawa, who is reportedly set to join the Rabbitohs,” reported Code Sports, confirming the dynamic shifts happening within the club. Despite Klemmer not being eligible to play this weekend, March 15 and 16, he will utilize the upcoming round three bye week to acclimatize to his new surroundings and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Fans are excited about Klemmer’s arrival, eager to see him integrate with the team alongside other new signings such as former Raider Emre Guler. The new roster will allow Flanagan to employ varied tactical approaches as they tackle upcoming matches, with Klemmer’s unique physicality and skill set aiming to provide the necessary edge.
With Klemmer’s history as both a state and national representative, his motivation is also about proving himself for future contracts and solidifying his place within the NRL. The Dragons find themselves with not only the immediate goal of gaining wins but also strengthening their overall squad for the longer term.
Every signing, release, and change carries weight during the season, and Klemmer’s situation epitomizes this. The underlying narrative is not just about player transactions, but the human element behind every decision made by these athletes and clubs, each striving to define their legacy on the field.
With Klemmer now part of the Dragons family, the upcoming season promises to be filled with opportunities and challenges. The Dragons and their supporters will watch closely to see how Klemmer can contribute to transformative changes, not only for the team but also for his career as he looks to flourish once again within the NRL.