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Origin prop roomies face off in NRL

David Klemmer and Reagan Campbell-Gillard roomed together in State of Origin camp but will face off in a key NRL battle between Penrith and Newcastle.

David Klemmer
Penrith will have to find a way to stop David Klemmer (R) in their NRL clash with Newcastle. (AAP)

Having been State of Origin roommates last season in NSW camp, David Klemmer is the man Reagan Campbell-Gillard will have to find a way to stop on Saturday for Penrith in their NRL clash with Newcastle.

The Panthers have moved quickly to put the disappointment of Sunday's shock loss to Parramatta behind them, disappointed with their error rate costing them any real opportunity to build momentum in attack.

Saturday's clash provides a number of representative battles.

Incumbent NSW halves James Maloney and Nathan Cleary come up against former Blues playmaker Mitchell Pearce, while Kalyn Ponga's move to No.6 continues to be a point of discussion.

But denting Klemmer's impact will be just as vital for Penrith. He was the NRL's second-most productive forward in the opening round with 198 metres against the highly regarded Cronulla pack.

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But Campbell-Gillard on Thursday refused to single him out.

"He's obviously moved up there to Newcastle, and I think it's going to be a nice strong battle," Campbell-Gillard said.

"They've also got other names and they have a whole pre-season to work together and they've only had the one official NRL game as a pack.

"They've got strike power across the whole park. We've addressed it and we know the the key players are in their halves."

Penrith's pack will at least be boosted by the expected inclusions of Hame Sele and Isaah Yeo with both on light duties.

Sele this week was cleared of a feared broken arm. Yeo must overcome a final scan on Friday stemming from a concussion but is expected to take his place.

Campbell-Gillard is unsure if he will start on Saturday night or come off the bench, as he did in the opening round against the Eels.


2 min read

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Source: AAP



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