David Klemmer says he felt embarrassed when his son showed him a viral video of the prop celebrating the Wests Tigers’ win over Parramatta at the expense of Clint Gutherson.
Eels skipper Gutherson shanked a last-second penalty goal wide in the two sides’ Easter Monday clash that meant the Tigers hung on for a 17-16 win.
Klemmer was seen on vision captured on Fox Sports giving Gutherson an “up yours” with his forearms as the Tigers sealed their second straight win under first-year coach Benji Marshall.
While Marshall remained stony-faced in the coaches’ box, durable prop Klemmer conceded his emotions got the better of him.
“We were lucky enough he shanked the kick and we got the two points,” Klemmer said.
“My son showed me, I was a bit embarrassed after I’d calmed down.
“It was pure enjoyment - there’s no malice to ‘Gutho’, I shook his hand afterwards.
“It was pure happiness in winning a footy game.
“It has been a tough 18 months and to string two wins together so far is good and it’s got a bit of confidence in the footy club.”
Klemmer was not alone in his exuberance during the dramatic win over Parramatta.
Back-rower John Bateman celebrated every call that went the Tigers’ way with equal enthusiasm.
“If you can't celebrate those moments you might as well not be on the pitch,” Bateman said.
"I enjoyed it and I have Justin (Olam) next to me and Api (Koroisau) in the middle and we want to bring that buzz.
"That energy, it helps the big boys when they’re blowing out their arse, and it can give them a little bit of a pump-up."
But Bateman warned the Tigers could not rest on their laurels as Marshall prepares to coach against long-time mentor Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins and brother Jeremy Marshall-King at Suncorp Stadium 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 first-choice five-eighth.
“It’s still only two wins. I don’t want to be the 'Debbie downer', but no one will remember us if we go on to lose every other game this season,” Bateman said.
“There’s a great confidence around the place and everyone’s enjoying the environment.''
