David Klemmer becomes a Saint

St Helens have announced the signing of Australian international and NRL powerhouse forward David Klemmer, who joins the Saints on a two-year deal from the 2026 season.

Klemmer joins from NRL club St George Illawarra Dragons, where he spent the 2025 season, and brings to the Saints a wealth of elite experience as a State of Origin representative with New South Wales and a winner of the prestigious Brad Fittler Medal.

A World Cup winner with Australia in 2017, Klemmer played in all six of the Kangaroos’ matches in the tournament, including the final against England.

The six-foot-five-inch powerhouse has played 260 NRL matches across the Dragons, Wests Tigers, Newcastle Knights, and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

The 31-year-old will take on a new challenge in the Betfred Super League with the Saints in 2026, bringing plenty of power to Paul Rowley’s forward pack.

Speaking to saintsrlfc.com, David Klemmer, said: “I’m very excited! It’s a massive honour to be joining St Helens, it’s such a big club and I feel truly privileged.

“When the opportunity came up, I grabbed it with both hands. Saints has got such a rich history, and I know they demand success, such is the pedigree that the Club has. I can’t wait to be part of that environment.”

Bringing size, power, and experience to the Saints’ pack, Klemmer is relishing the chance to make his mark in the Red V, alongside our senior players and by helping to develop our younger stars.

“Saints’ Academy has a lot of talented kids coming through, and I’m keen to work with those boys who are pushing to be regulars in the team. In the same vein, I’m excited to work with the likes of Alex Walmsley and Curtis Sironen. I played with Siro a fair bit, coming through at the same time, so it’s a good mix. It should make it exciting in training.”

In his first message to the Saints fans, David Klemmer stated: “I can’t wait to get over with my family, get amongst it all and meet all the boys.

“I will do everything I can to represent the jersey in the right way. I cannot wait to get started, meet everyone involved at the Club, and I will give my all for St Helens.”

St Helens Head Coach, Paul Rowley, said: “David is a big addition to our squad and adds real strength to what is already a solid pack. It’s exciting because he’s not just a big player, he’s also got a bit of football in him.

“He’s coming over with a lot to play for, and speaking to him, it’s clear to see how competitive he is. We’re adding a really good bloke to our group too, and I’ve been speaking to people who know him well, and they all speak very highly of him.

“I think David will bring a lot to our team, both on and off the field. He’s been playing at the highest level for a decade and will add brilliant qualities to St Helens through his experience, consistency, and presence.”