David Klemmer has set his sights on Paul Gallen’s vacant lock spot for NSW in 2017, after starring for Canterbury in the position, with the giant Canterbury prop looking to Jim Dymock for inspiration.

Klemmer has produced some of his best football in the NRL since being moved off the bench and into the 13 jumper by Bulldogs coach Des Hasler earlier this year.

Gallen retires from State of Origin after game three on Wednesday after a long career with the Blues largely spent at lock.

After starting all his Blues games so far from the bench, Klemmer is keen to move into the starting line-up for NSW in the same way he has at NRL level.

“I have Des there and I am working with Jim Dymock he is really helping me with my game, he was a pretty good lock back in the day, a pretty good utility player,” Klemmer said.

“I am just trying to improve my game week in week out and he has been really good for me.

“Hopefully I can keep doing that and put my best foot forward for next year.”

An assistant coach with the Bulldogs, Dymock was rated one of the best lock forwards of the 1990s. He played six Tests for Australian and six Origins for NSW and claimed the Clive Churchill Medal in the Bulldogs 1995 grand final victory.

Meanwhile Andrew Fifita has backed retiring skipper Paul Gallen’s call that Wade Graham is in the captaincy frame for the Blues next year, despite the Sharks back-rower only readying to make his debut in game three after he was suspended for game two.

“Wade was always Origin bound, he is so versatile, he has all the skills, he just need the chance,” Fifita said.

“It wasn’t meant to be for the second game but he has his chance now and he won’t be letting that go.

“With Gal going Wade is the type of player who can run this team.

“He has a massive opportunity ahead of him, he could play one game and be skipper next year.”