David Klemmer’s move to Newcastle is complete with the NSW State of Origin prop signing a five-year deal with the NRL club after securing a release from Canterbury.

Klemmer will join Newcastle immediately in a massive coup for the Knights who are building a team who can return to the finals and possibly push for the top four.

They have already signed Queensland Origin prop Tim Glasby and Warriors big man James Gavet, and also have the competition’s hottest young talent in the halves or at fullback in Kalyn Ponga.

“Klem has played 17 times for Australia and 12 times for NSW before his 25th birthday, which says a lot about him,” coach Nathan Brown said.

“He’s a big man who will help us over the advantage line and lead our pack. He’s exactly what we need.”

The Canterbury junior still had two years to run on his Bulldogs deal, but will begin pre-season training before Christmas with Newcastle.

“I would like to thank David for his time at the Bulldogs,” Canterbury chief executive Andrew Hill said.

“He played his first NRL match for the club in 2013 and ended up making 113 appearances, in addition to his representative honours.

“We have always said to David that we wanted him to stay at the club but, ultimately, he and his family have made a decision around needing a change of environment.”

The move has kick-started the players’ market, after an off-season already dominated by coaching moves.

Queensland prop Dylan Napa is believed to have signed with Canterbury as Klemmer’s replacement, after leaving the Sydney Roosters with one year still to run on his contract.