NSW coach Brad Fittler appeared to be struggling to explain why he had removed David Klemmer from his home state roster when he was asked the question.
And with a quick look at the Newcastle star’s stats from the 2020 season, you might understand why the blues boss is having a little hard time defending himself.
“Klem has been playing for the past few years. He was a big part of what we did, so kind of watch her, ”said Fittler Broad world of sport.
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“I think we always put the shirt first. So when we feel like people are getting through … and Newcastle have been pretty faded since half of the season.”
At least according to certain statistics from the 2020 season, Klemmer is one of the best front rowers NSW currently has to offer.
Fittler is committed to ensuring that Junior Paulo and James Tamou end their NRL seasons with Parramatta and Penrith respectively.
Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Moses Leota and Dale Finucane are other center-forwards in the selection mix whose season is not yet over.
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Daniel Saifiti and Payne Haas have already joined the roster.
In many categories, Klemmer is ahead of most other competitors.
Fox Sports Lab statistics show he ranks second behind Haas in running meters per game, minutes per game, and post-contact meters per game this year (see full statistics below).
He’s second behind Paulo in unloading and 20 ahead of the next best prop.
But there are also statistics in which Klemmer lags behind his rivals.
He’s given more penalties than anyone named, and he’s turned on his back more than any other prop on the list.
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NSW legend Steve Roach was shocked to learn that Klemmer had missed the cut this year, but trusts Fittler and the selection panel to do their job.
“I don’t think that’s the end for him. I just think Freddy is waiting to see how the other guys in the front row are doing, ”said Roach.
“I have to say that I was shocked. His numbers are as good as ever.
“But maybe Freddy and the selection people have better people to choose from.
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“I was surprised, but that’s the coach’s prerogative, they do. They would have sat around and walked straight in and they think they have better options.
“Unless you’re a great player like Haas. The deeper you get into the semifinals, the better your match fitness will be, and that’s probably what he’s all about.
“You may think he’s a little slow for Origin, or that his speed isn’t good enough playing ball, or that he’s retreating into it … it could be a lot of different things.
“That’s why they’re the selectors, they go through all of these things. There are a variety of things to look at. “
Fox Sports Lab discovers the stats that are important in showing how Klemmer holds up against the competition.
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NSW PROP CONTENDERS
Games in 2020: David Klemmer (21), Moses Leota (21 *), Junior Paulo (21 *), James Tamou (20 *), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (20 *), Payne Haas (17), Daniel Saifiti (14)
Minutes per game: Haas 72, Klemmer 57, Campbell-Gillard 55, Paulo 54, Saifiti 48, Tamou 42, Leota 33
Meters per game: Haas 163, Klemmer 159, Campbell-Gillard 153, Paulo 136, Saifiti 135, Tamou 130, Leota 100
Post contact gauges per game: Haas 70, Klemmer 58, Saifiti 52, Paulo 48, Campbell-Gillard 48, Tamou 44, Leota 38
Tackle busts (overall): Haas 42, Paulo 40, Saifiti 28, Campbell-Gillard 18, Klemmer 16, Leota 10, Tamou 9
Shipments: Paulo 51, Klemmer 45, Haas 25, Saifiti 11, Tamou 6, Campbell-Gillard 6, Saifiti 11
error: Tamou 6, Klemmer 6, Campbell-Gillard 6, Leota 6, Haas 6, Saifiti 7, Paulo 14
Conceded penalties: Saifiti 1, Tamou 3, Haas 5, Campbell-Gillard 6, Paulo 7, Leota 9, Klemmer 13
Percentage turned back: Tamou 18.90%, Saifiti 19.90, Paulo 21.90, Campbell-Gillard 29.70, Haas 32.60, Leota 33.50, Klemmer 33.70
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