St Helens sign World Cup winning forward on two-year deal

St Helens have added to their pack for 2026 by signing a former World Cup winner on a two-year deal from the NRL.

The Saints have been relatively quiet in the market so far with loanee Shane Wright signing a permanent deal and South Sydney Rabbitohs man Jacob Host also confirmed.

However, they’ve lost a far greater number including some key players such as Morgan Knowles who was St Helens player of the year in 2025.

Second-row pair James Bell and Joe Batchelor have also left with a big whole evident in the pack but St Helens have now confirmed a major addition, with David Klemmer signing from St George Illawarra Dragons.

Klemmer, 31, won the World Cup in 2017 with Australia and was part of the side that beat England 6-0 in the final, going toe to toe with St Helens’ own Alex Walmsley.

It”s now been confirmed that the veteran Aussie prop has signed a two-year deal with Paul Rowley’s side in their third confirmed signing ahead of the 2026 season.

St Helens sign NRL prop David Klemmer

News of Klemmer’s arrival were confirmed by the club with a statement released that read: “St Helens R.F.C. is thrilled to announce the signing of Australian international and NRL powerhouse forward David Klemmer, who joins the Saints on a two-year deal from the 2026 season!”

The former New South Wales representative made 14 appearances in State of Origin with the last of those in 2019, however, he’s still been making a big dent in opposition packs across the NRL.

With over 250 NRL games to his name, Klemmer brings the experience that the side have lost in Morgan Knowles. 22 of those appearances came last year for St George but he’ll now call St Helens home after this two-year deal was confirmed.

Speaking on the move, Klemmer said: “When the opportunity came up, I grabbed it with both hands. Saints has got such a rich history, and I know they demand success, such is the pedigree that the Club has. I can’t wait to be part of that environment.”

He also spoke about the club’s youth system and how he hopes to impact the next generation, stating: “Saints’ Academy has a lot of talented kids coming through, and I’m keen to work with those boys who are pushing to be regulars in the team. In the same vein, I’m excited to work with the likes of Alex Walmsley and Curtis Sironen. I played with Siro a fair bit, coming through at the same time, so it’s a good mix. It should make it exciting in training.”

Head coach Paul Rowley said: “David is a big addition to our squad and adds real strength to what is already a solid pack. It’s exciting because he’s not just a big player, he’s also got a bit of football in him.

“He’s coming over with a lot to play for, and speaking to him, it’s clear to see how competitive he is. We’re adding a really good bloke to our group too, and I’ve been speaking to people who know him well, and they all speak very highly of him.

“I think David will bring a lot to our team, both on and off the field. He’s been playing at the highest level for a decade and will add brilliant qualities to St.Helens through his experience, consistency, and presence.”

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— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) October 31, 2025