David Klemmer says he was embarrassed when his son showed him a viral video of the prop celebrating the Wests Tigers’ victory over Parramatta at the expense of Clint Gutherson.
Eels captain Gutherson slotted a last-second penalty wide in the teams’ clash on Easter Monday, meaning the Tigers held on for a 17-16 victory.
Klemmer was seen in a video captured by Fox Sports giving Gutherson an “up yours” with his forearms as the Tigers sealed their second straight victory under first-year coach Benji Marshall.
While Marshall remained impassive in the coaches’ box, long-lasting prop Klemmer admitted his emotions got the better of him.
“We were lucky that he kicked and we got the two points,” Klemmer said.
“My son showed me that I felt a little embarrassed after calming down.
“It was pure pleasure, there is no malice towards ‘Gutho’,” I shook his hand afterwards.
“It was pure happiness to win a football match.
“It has been a tough 18 months and to get two wins so far is good and gives a bit of confidence in the football club.”
Klemmer was not alone in his exuberance during the dramatic victory over Parramatta.
Defender John Bateman celebrated every Tiger decision with equal enthusiasm.
“If you can’t celebrate those moments, you might as well not be on the field,” Bateman said.
“I enjoyed it and I have Justin (Olam) next to me and Api (Koroisau) in the middle and we want to generate that enthusiasm.
“That energy helps the big guys when they’re busting their butts and can give them a little lift.”
But Bateman warned the Tigers could not rest on their laurels as Marshall prepares to train against the Dolphins of Wayne Bennett and his brother Jeremy Marshall-King at Lang Park on Saturday.
A win against the Dolphins would give the Tigers three straight wins for the first time since 2018, when Marshall was the club’s top option at five-eighth.
“It’s still only two wins. I don’t want to be ‘Debbie’s downer,’ but no one will remember us if we lose every other game this season,” Bateman said.
“There is great confidence around the place and everyone enjoys the atmosphere.”
AAP
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