Bulldogs’ Klemmer saga to drag on

C A N T E R B U R Y ’ S i m p a s s e with star David Klemmer appears set to drag into next week as the NRL club waits on the ramifications of the league’s coaching merry- goround.

Klemmer is likely to be granted a release from the final two years of his contract to immediately take up a more lucrative deal at Newcastle, beginning next year.

And while the Bulldogs have been heavily linked with premiership- winning Sydney Roosters prop Dylan Napa, the club is intent on waiting on the fallout of the recent coaching saga.

With Ivan Cleary, Des Hasler and Michael Maguire starting at new clubs – plus Wayne Bennett and Anthony Seibold still a chance of swapping – the player market remains in flux.

Two of those clubs, Brisbane and Penrith, have already begun roster moves with Broncos forward Josh McGuire and Panthers prop Trent Merrin reportedly released on Wednesday.

Other front- rowers such as Burgess brothers Tom and George from South Sydney, both of whom are available after 2019, have also been mentioned as ideal replacements.

However the possible recruitment of Napa looms as the club’s best shot at replacing the star power of an incumbent Kangaroos prop in Klemmer.

Napa, whose current deal also expires at the end of next year, is understood to be in the United States with the Roosters’ team celebrating their grand final triumph.