Max King is truly redefining the term “battler” as he prepares for an unexpected debut in the NSW Blues squad for the State of Origin opener. At 28 years old, King’s journey to this point has been arduous; only a few years ago, he contemplated retirement due to persistent injuries that limited his playing time to just 12 matches in two years with the Melbourne Storm, followed by a year on the sidelines.
His career took a turn when the Canterbury Bulldogs offered him a second chance. This season, King has thrived, contributing to Canterbury’s impressive run, where they have secured victory in nine of their ten matches.
Reflecting on his struggles, King recently shared an emotional message on Instagram that highlighted the dark times he faced, including grappling with doubts about his career following injury setbacks. He explained how he felt lost: “I had no contract, my foot was still busted, so I just thought it was the end of the road.” Despite the hardships, support from the Bulldogs’ coaching team reignited his passion for the game, enabling him to push through the difficult period.
King has turned his trials into a narrative of resilience and determination. He currently averages 151 run metres and 32 tackles per game, establishing himself as one of the standout forwards in the league. As he enters the intense environment of representative football, King maintains a humble perspective on his achievements, humorously referring to himself as a “battler A Grade football player.”
In his own words, King believes that his purpose lies beyond football alone, feeling a divine calling to compete at the highest levels of the sport. He has long aspired to represent his state and country, and despite the challenges he has encountered, his faith and perseverance have helped him realise part of that dream. “It’s been a real tough journey to get here, and I’m just so grateful for where I’m at,” he stated.
As the only debutant in the NSW squad for the upcoming game on May 28, King steps into this milestone with gratitude, acknowledging the journey that has brought him here and the lessons learned along the way. He continues to foster a sense of purpose in his career as he dons the representative jersey, remaining in awe of his opportunity to contribute on such a significant stage.