Canterbury Bulldogs’ general manager, Phil Gould, recently shared the emotional phone call he had with Max King following the prop’s remarkable elevation to an Origin debut. King’s journey has been a challenging one, marked by a rare heart condition during his junior years and the need to stop playing in 2021 due to Haglund’s Syndrome, a foot deformity. He joined the Bulldogs in 2022, and by 2025, he has earned a spot with the New South Wales State of Origin team.
In an episode of Nine’s “100% Footy,” Gould recounted how he greeted King on the phone with, “I’ve got a tear in my eye.” He reflected on King’s difficult path, noting that King was one of the first players he signed after taking the helm in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. After struggling with injuries while at the Melbourne Storm, King faced a lengthy recovery before joining the Bulldogs. Gould’s proactive outreach, based on a recommendation from one of King’s associates, ultimately brought King to the club.
Gould described how, during a time of restrictions that prevented travel, King and his father would sneak from Newcastle to Sydney for training. He fondly remembered spotting King practicing on the field at Belmore around Christmas 2021, marking his return to the sport. Gould’s encouragement at that moment seemed pivotal in King continuing to improve.
The 2023 season was tough for the Bulldogs, finishing 15th under new coach Cameron Ciraldo with only seven wins. Throughout that turbulent season, King played through a significant sternum injury, losing weight and facing challenges while demonstrating resilience and leadership. In Gould’s eyes, these sacrifices revealed King’s character and foreshadowed his potential as a leader within the team.
Now, with a supportive team around him, King has proven to be fit and capable, making his mark in the rugby league and securing his place with the Blues. Gould’s admiration for King highlights not only the player’s talent but also his arduous journey and determination in overcoming adversity.