'All in': King dreaming of England debut as Bulldogs eye top eight
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Canterbury forward Max King has declared he’s all-in for England’s World Cup bid after he was named in the nation’s preliminary squad.
The prop was one of 11 NRL players selected in the 38-man squad and shapes as a key figure in coach Brian McDermott’s plans for the tournament.
King was born in Huddersfield to an English mother and Australian father. The family lived in the UK until moving to Australia when he was seven.
Max King Try
While he had to give up his Kangaroos eligibility to represent England, the 29-year-old said a conversation with McDermott was all it took to make up his mind.
“I spoke to coach Brian McDermott and he excited me about England,” King said. “I hung up the phone call and I was all in.
“I’ve always spoken about being English and an Aussie, being a dual citizen. Hanging up that conversation, it wasn’t [a tough decision] and it would be such a great opportunity for me and my family.”
King is one of four uncapped NRL players in the wider squad and could be inline for a Test debut alongside Sydney Roosters centre Billy Smith, Canberra Raiders hooker Jayden Brailey and Brisbane Broncos forward Ben Talty.
The English are determined to rebound from a disappointing Ashes whitewash last season and McDermott has quickly gone to work to lay the foundation for the upcoming World Cup after being appointed in April.
England will open their tournament with a showdown against Tonga in Perth before dates with France and Papua New Guinea.
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The nature of this year’s World Cup means the side will need to win at least two and potentially all three matches to progress to the semi-finals.
It’s a challenge King is eager to embrace as England look to upset their more fancied rivals later this year.
“It’s a massive opportunity to hopefully be there at the end of the year,” King said. “It would be a massive achievement for myself and my family.
“Those things are bigger than a personal achievement, you’re representing your family as well.
“It would be awesome to be there at the end of the year but there’s a lot of hard work between now and then. I always say if your team’s performing well then you can get picked in those sides so that’s the priority, putting the best foot forward for the team.”
Match: Titans v Bulldogs
Round 17 -
home Team
Titans
15th Position
away Team
Bulldogs
12th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
While excited about the opportunity to represent England, King is determined to finish the NRL season with the Bulldogs on a high.
The 29-year-old will play his 150th NRL match, and 100th game for the club, in Friday’s clash with the Titans as Canterbury chase a third-straight victory.
It’s been a lengthy journey to this point for the prop who battled numerous long-term injuries earlier in his career.
After missing the entire 2021 season due to an Achilles injury, it looked like he may not play again before the Bulldogs offered a lifeline.
First take: Titans v Bulldogs
Now he’s an Origin player and potential England representative, King is eager to make the most of his second chance as a footballer.
“Coming here to the Bulldogs, I was 24 years old and thought my career was over. Now I’m standing here with the opportunity to play my 150th game.
“I’ve been on a journey along the way. Coming here I was a single guy and now I have a wife and kids and a family, I’ve been able to represent my state and there are things I’ve been able to achieve since coming here.
“Thinking my career was over and getting that lifeline, it’s special to be able to celebrate my 100th club game as well because I feel like my career’s been resurrected here. It’s been great to be part of this club and knowing what they’ve done for me.”
