LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Max King's journey to becoming a new Blue Max represents a testament to perseverance and faith, as reported by bulldogs.com.au.
The 28-year-old Origin player is noted for bringing his own Bible into camp, exemplifying his deep religious beliefs that were tested by career-threatening injuries and health challenges.
King's selection is a recognition of his resilience, a quality that NSW coach Laurie Daley prioritized for his team.
A fourth-generation premiership player, King comes from a family steeped in rugby league, with his grandfather, Johnny, being a Hall of Famer.
After rupturing his Achilles while playing for the Storm in 2020, King faced more than 18 months on the sidelines, during which complications from his surgery led him to consider medical retirement.
Fortunately, the Bulldogs provided him a vital opportunity to return to the field.
Previously, King had already battled significant health issues, overcoming surgeries for supraventricular tachycardia, a heart condition discovered during his junior career at the Knights in 2016.
His determination to play against the Kangaroos in the end-of-season Ashes series came with the full support of his family, including his English mother Caroline and grandfather Johnny.
The latter is celebrated for his impressive seven premiership wins with St George from 1960 to 1966 and is regarded as one of the best wingers in the game's history.