Kangaroos firebrand David Klemmer admits he'll be on high alert for fired-up ex-teammate James Graham in Friday's rugby league World Cup opener against England.
Klemmer will face off against Graham for the first time since the former Canterbury captain was pushed out of the kennel last month due to NRL salary cap pressures.
"He's a very proud Englishman. I'll be looking out for him. He's fiery, so he'll be looking for a big game," Klemmer said of Graham on Monday.
"I've versed him a couple of times now. It's always fun."
The pair also collided in a spiteful encounter during last year's Four Nations, when Klemmer wore a right haymaker from England star Sam Burgess.
Despite a punch being an automatic sin-binning in the NRL, Burgess escaped with a warning from match officials for his shot at Klemmer.
"That's just part of footy, that's the rules now in the international game," he said.
"We can't even worry about that sort of stuff. I've got my head focused on playing footy and that stuff, every now and again that happens, it's a bit weird.
"That's the type of player he is, he loves getting in there. He's very passionate about playing for England, (and) there was a lot of passion in that punch as well.
"It's part of the game, things get heated sometimes."
Klemmer is considered a strong chance to start against England alongside Aaron Woods, the man who replaced Graham on a lucrative contract at the Bulldogs.
Despite having one more year left on his deal, Graham confirmed a move to St George Illawarra early last month.
Klemmer, 23, admitted Graham isn't shy of throwing verbal grenades on-field.
"He's an entertaining player and world class as well," he said.
"It's good to go up against him. He plays for them with a lot of passion.
"He doesn't mind a bit of niggle, but you can't buy into that too much. We've got a job to do and I'm pretty focused on getting the job done."
Share
