David Klemmer's Australia teammates believe the giant prop has developed into a player who can really make a difference as a bench forward.
The 22-year-old Canterbury front-rower is enjoying a stellar Four Nations campaign in which he's enhanced his reputation as one of the best young players in the game.
In Sunday's win over New Zealand, Klemmer ran for 141m from 11 carries and had three tackle breaks in the 14-8 win.
Fellow behemoth Shannon Boyd was also strong in his stint from the sidelines with almost 90m, and skipper Cameron Smith said the pair would have a big role to play against England's giant pack in London on Sunday.
"The two big boys from off the bench were outstanding against New Zealand," Smith said.
"They bring a lot of energy to the side, which is what we ask the benchies to do.
"(Klemmer) has been great in the last two games and thrives on the big games and thrives on playing against quality packs."
Klemmer's close friendship with Aaron Woods has been credited with helping him deal with the pressures of being a high-profile NRL and representative player.
The easygoing Woods and Klemmer are largely inseparable in NSW and Australia camps, and the Wests Tigers prop believes his mate has the world at his feet.
"He was outstanding off the bench," Woods said.
"I think he's gone to another level on this tour. It was like he was running from the back fence and in the second half from the first kick-off he almost sliced through.
"He's getting a lot more confidence. People forget that this has been only his second year starting for the Bulldogs ... he's only still a kid."
Veteran forward Sam Thaiday has reverted to being a bench player for the first time since 2009 under Mal Meninga's Test reign and said he enjoyed being part of a power-packed interchange bench.
"We've got a good little mix going at the moment," Thaiday said.
"Big Boydy and big Klem are doing a great job sparking the team after Matty Scott and Woodsy have done their bit.
"As for me, well, I've decided to call myself the utility with ability."
Share
