David Klemmer knows what it's like to be a teen prodigy and the subject of smothering hype.
And it's for that reason he's predicting big things for NSW State of Origin front-row partner Payne Haas.
At 119kgs and 194cm, Haas is shaping as the NRL's next big thing - literally and figuratively.
In the space of 10 first-grade games he's imposed himself as one of the game's best props, and Blues coach Brad Fittler was left with no option but to select him ahead of Kangaroos Test forward Jordan McLean for Wednesday's Origin I.
Rewind six years and Klemmer was similarly touted as a future superstar.
He was described as the next Glenn Lazarus and reportedly had a dozen clubs queuing up for his signature, all before he made his first-grade debut.
"He's very humble and he's got his mind on rugby league and he's got stuff outside of rugby league helping him as well," Klemmer said of 19-year-old Haas.
"His mind is switched on and he's a good kid, he knows what it takes to be a good footy player."
Haas this year converted to Islam after being banned for four games and fined $20,000 by Brisbane for failing to comply with an NRL integrity unit investigation.
During Origin camp he has observed Ramadan, meaning he has been unable to eat or drink between sunrise and sunset.
Klemmer described the Broncos youngster as having the all the tools and self-discipline to make it.
"I think he's got a good support system. He's a very disciplined kid," Klemmer said.
"His old man is a big supporter and he keeps him in line.
"I just say little things to him, just to relax and come Wednesday he'll be prepared. He's just got to keep playing the football he's been playing, he doesn't have to be anything else."
