AS a boy, David Klemmer was such a fanatical Canterbury fan that he slept under a Bulldogs bedspread.
Now all his dreams have really come true.
On top of being named to make his NRL debut yesterday, the 19-year-old prop is also celebrating a new three-year contract extension worth close to $1 million.
Although he's yet to be tested in first grade, top judges have been drooling over Klemmer for years and he was easily the most coveted youngster on this year's open market.
Towering at 199cm and weighing 120kg, it's clear to see why, and the Australian Schoolboys graduate has consistently starred throughout his development and claimed the 2012 Toyota Cup Player of the Year award.
The Toongabbie junior also excelled at softball and shot put at Westfields Sports High.
Just as he did with Sam Kasiano a year ago, Knights coach Wayne Bennett had an almighty crack, along with several other clubs.
But they were all informed a fortnight ago that Klemmer had decided to remain at Canterbury - although the remarkable cash for a player so green would have made his decision an easier one.
More difficult will be Saturday night's introduction to the elite level opposite the competition's best front-row pair: Cowboys duo James Tamou and Matt Scott.
Confronted with a distressing shortage up front, Bulldogs coach Des Hasler will summon the exciting prospect from the bench.
With James Graham (suspension), Sam Kasiano (shin splints) and Frank Pritchard (groin) all unavailable for at least a month, Klemmer will face his baptism of fire alongside fellow greenhorn props Tim Browne and Marty Taupau.Partnering Aiden Tolman in the starting front row, Taupau has played just 10 first grade games, while Browne failed to add to his four NRL appearances last year.
But the most buzz at Bluetongue Stadium will surround Klemmer, who was snapped up by former Bulldogs recruitment man Peter Mulholland at just 15.
Klemmer was part of Parramatta's nursery at the time, but was frustrated because he couldn't progress from fourth to first division due to administrative red tape.
"He was too good to be playing fourth division back then and we offered him the opportunity to come to Canterbury on a three-year deal," Mulholland said.
"It helped that he was a massive Canterbury fan.
"I remember going to the family house and he even had a Bulldogs bedspread."
Tolman yesterday backed Klemmer to handle the steep rise he faces.
"He's very physical at training," Tolman said.
"He's that big and he's got plenty of aggression.
"He's got amazing talent for a young guy and everyone is talking him up.
"But he (Klemmer) can't worry about that.
"I suppose those things don't mean anything if you don't go out on the field and prove it.
"That's what he's got to do now. I'm sure he'll cause some damage no matter what grade he plays."
Hasler yesterday said Pritchard could've soldiered through, but club medicos have opted to rest him with the 26-week season in mind.
"He's coming off some post-season (groin) surgery," Hasler said. "At a scratch he could've played but we would rather take the other road and get some running under his belt."