They’re the young bulls in the ring, tip the scales at a combined 227kgs, are frothing at the mouth and have the chance to stamp their dominance over the State of Origin arena for years to come.
Of all the battles that will take place on Suncorp Stadium during Wednesday’s Origin opener, the battle between NSW hard man David Klemmer and Queensland tyro Dylan Napa shapes as among the most important.
With both states’ futures at a crossroads, the duo have been earmarked as the future leaders of their respective packs.
At 23, Klemmer already has two interstate series under his belt.
Meanwhile, Napa is undoubtedly Queensland’s generations next.
With Corey Parker retired, Matt Scott injured and nearing the end of his career, as well as question marks hanging about over how many years Nate Myles has left in him, the red-headed Sydney Roosters prop has a job on his hands.
For years, due to his combative nature, penchant for disregarding reputation and taking on the biggest players, he has been tipped for the Origin arena and will be asked to start in his Maroons debut.
Last year he produced what was described by Phil Gould as the one of the most dominant performance he’d ever seen from a front-rower when he pinned a target on South Sydney’s Sam Burgess and engaged in a running battle all night.
“Even though I’m a New South Welshman, I think he’s an Origin player,” Blues great Steve Roach said of Napa.
“People talk about Origin players, but you’ve still got to go out and do the business.
“It’s probably the easiest job to describe and the hardest job to do.
“I think it’s a great advantage he’s making his debut on his home ground.
“I’ve got no doubt he’s going to be a great Origin player.
“Hopefully not too good in the first one.”
After the Roosters’ win over Canterbury last week, Klemmer made a beeline for Napa to congratulate him on his Queensland selection and wish him well.
Like Napa, Klemmer has been unafraid to take on anyone regardless of their standing in the game and in his debut series in 2015 delivered a couple of four-letter expletives at Parker, after he was told to show some respect.
“He’s a good tough player and you like playing against those sort of blokes,” Klemmer said of his opposite front-rower.
“They’re a good pack, he’s making his debut so he’ll be looking for a big game.”
TALE OF THE TAPE
David Klemmer
Junior Club: All Saints Toongabbie
Age: 23
Height: 198cm
Weight: 116kg
2017 stats: 10 games, 1507 metres, 16 tackles breaks, 207 tackles, 15 missed tackles
Dylan Napa
Junior Club: Aspley Devils
Age: 24
Height: 194cm
Weight: 109kg
2017 stats: 9 games, 934 metres, 9 tackle breaks, 185 tackles, 27 missed tackles
