David Klemmer issues stunning apology over 'embarrassing' act towards Clint Gutherson

David Klemmer has expressed his remorse over an ugly incident with Parramatta's Clint Gutherson, in the Wests Tigers' thrilling 17-16 win on Easter Monday. Klemmer was called out by NRL fans for jumping up to distract the Eels captain before he took a shot at goal to win the game after the siren, before giving Gutherson an "up yours" with his forearms when the Parramatta fullback missed.

The veteran Tigers prop said he was embarrassed after being shown the clip on social media by his son and denied there was any malice towards Gutherson. The former representative forward conceded that his emotions got the better of him after the Tigers won back-to-back games in the NRL for the first time since round 10 last year.

"We were lucky enough he shanked the kick and we got the two points," Klemmer said. "My son showed me (the reaction to Gutherson's miss), 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." Many fans were left puzzled that Klemmer got away with jumping up to distract Gutherson before he kicked the ball, with suggestions the Eels skipper should have been allowed to retake the kick because Klemmer's actions were against the rules.

Klemmer was not the only Tigers player riding a wave of emotions after the heart-stopping victory at Commbank Stadium, with English forward John Bateman celebrating 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."

Benji Marshall provides stunning answer to critics

The Tigers' second straight win proved somewhat of a vindication for coach Benji Marshall, whose commitment to the role had come under intense scrutiny earlier in the season. Marshall was last month forced to hit back at ugly claims he was not a '24/7 coach' and did not dedicate as much of his time to the role as other top coaches.

He was also questioned over some of the club's signings such as veteran halfback Aidan Sezer, who was a standout and kicked the winning field goal against the Eels. Marshall's decision to show faith in rookie five-eighth Lachlan Galvin - who is unfortunately suspended for two games after a hip-drop tackle - has also proved to be a masterstroke.

Marshall's next test comes against one of his coaching mentors and one of the game's greats in Wayne Bennett, with the Tigers hoping to make it three straight against the Dolphins 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.

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"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 added. "There's a great confidence around the place and everyone's enjoying the environment."

with AAP