Knights issue statement after firebrand prop David Klemmer mysteriously axed

Newcastle has issued a bizarre statement after firebrand former Origin star David Klemmer was mysteriously axed.

The veteran prop was left off the team that was named on Tuesday afternoon.

Two hours later the Knights issued a press release.

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"The Newcastle Knights have issued David Klemmer with a show cause notice relating to on-field disciplinary matters in last Sunday's match against the Canterbury Bulldogs," the club said.

"No further correspondence will be entered into until the show cause hearing process has been completed."

Reports claim Klemmer refused to leave the field during the loss to the Bulldogs, and he also allegedly yelled at a Knights trainer.

The loss was Newcastle's fourth in a row, and turned the heat further on coach Adam O'Brien and his players.

The Klemmer axing also comes one day after it was reported the Eels tried to snatch him from the Knights before the August 1 deadline.

Newcastle refused to let him go.

Uniform controversies that have rocked sport around the world

Uniform controversies that have rocked sport around the world