Giant Kangaroos rookie David Klemmer proved that size does matter when his inclusion was a key to Australia’s fighting Four Nations rugby league win over England.
And he knows he will need to back that up when the Kangaroos’ tournament hopes again go on the line against a monster Samoa pack in Wollongong on Sunday.
Australia were steam-rolled in their opening match against New Zealand, but the selection of the Bulldogs prop for his Test debut helped Australia stem the tide against England.
The biggest man in the Kangaroos squad, 200cm tall and weighing 120kg, Klemmer added much-needed size and power.
He and Aaron Woods remain the lone specialist props in coach Tim Sheens’ squad with back-rowers Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker and Josh Papalii forced to play in the middle of the field.
Klemmer said Samoa were on par with the other Four Nations teams.
“They’ve been playing good footy the last two weeks,” the 20-year-old said.
“They should have won both of their games so they’re going to be very tough this week.
“They could still make the final so they’re going to fight and we’re going to have to stand up to them.”
He said Australia needed to stop the go-forward of veterans Frank Pritchard and captain David Fa’alogo while centre Joey Leilua had been in “outstanding” form.
Klemmer, who signed with the Bulldogs as a 15-year-old, started the season just hoping to play first grade and is still pinching himself about his Test call-up.
He only managed three NRL games in 2013 before suffering a knee injury but was integral to the Bulldogs’ charge to the 2014 NRL grand final.
“Coming into the pre-season I was happy to play NSW Cup or just get back on the footy park so everything that’s come this year has been a bonus.
“Playing for Australia was a dream come true, it was very special and getting a win with the boys topped things off.”
The Australians are set to go with an unchanged side apart from the loss of second-rower Beau Scott with a hamstring injury.
Boyd Cordner is likely to take his place in the starting side with Aidan Guerra coming on the bench.
Greg Inglis and Greg Bird were rested from their Tuesday training session but are certainties to play.
