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Reserved Klemmer leads Blues' new way

NSW State of Origin prop David Klemmer is the latest Blues player to avoid adding fuel to the Queensland fire.

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Source: AAP


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NSW enforcer David Klemmer isn't usually one to wear a muzzle.

The Canterbury NRL prop made his mark on State of Origin by telling Corey Parker he is an old so-and-so, and has never been one to back down from a fight.

But with the Blues' second State of Origin series victory in 11 years just one win away, he isn't willing to add any fuel to Queensland's fire.

Klemmer's Origin I performance off the bench capped off one of the most dominant NSW forward pack displays in years.

Combined with starters Aaron Woods and Andrew Fifita, the trio chalked up more than 500 metres, and busted through 10 tackles in a record breaking 28-4 win.

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The demolition job cost seven Queenslanders their spots, most notably that of forwards Sam Thaiday and Nate Myes - Maroons veterans with 61 Origin appearances between them.

When asked on Friday if he would take ending their Origin careers as a badge of honour after the Game I flogging, Klemmer refused to buy into the customary pre-match sledging.

"I don't know about Sammy or Nate," Klemmer said.

"There are still opportunities for them to get back in the side. They have played over 30 Tests or Origins."

Nor was he willing to suggest the Maroons are in some kind of panic.

Their seven changes are the most they've made since 2002, and the four debutants are their most since Game I of 2006 - when their decade of dominance began.

But don't bother telling Klemmer that.

"It's something their selectors thought they needed changes," Klemmer said.

"It's totally up to them. If that's the way they want to go, they went that way."

Klemmer's approach is consistent with NSW's lead in to Game II - keep the spotlight well north of the Tweed River.

It's why there has been no talk of "two-heads" Queenslanders, not even a joke about "referee (Cameron) Smith".

Blues players even tried to claim they didn't know that Jarrod Wallace had been cleared of a shoulder charge and allowed to play by the NRL judiciary earlier this week.

When asked if he was deliberately avoiding firing Queensland up, the usually verbose Klemmer was measured in his reply.

"I'm just trying to prepare well," he said.

"I have to look after my own preparation."


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