Max King on Faith, Resilience, and the Bulldogs' Resurgence

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs prop Max King shares the remarkable journey of a career that almost ended before it truly began. From a prestigious footballing lineage to the depths of a debilitating injury, King’s story is one of unwavering faith and the grit required to fight back from the brink.

A Legacy of Greatness

Rugby league runs deep in the King bloodline. Max is a fifth-generation footballer, following in the footsteps of his great-grandfather Ces (Rabbitohs), his legendary grandfather Johnny King (a seven-time Premiership winner with the Dragons), and his father David (Gold Coast and Huddersfield). Despite this pedigree, Max was a self-described "late developer." He wasn't the teenage superstar making every rep side; instead, he relied on the old-school discipline instilled by his grandfather, who would "flog" him with long-distance runs and time trials from the age of ten.

The Achilles Crossroads

The most harrowing chapter of King’s career occurred during his time at the Melbourne Storm. What began as minor discomfort in his heel spiralled into a nightmare diagnosis of Haglund’s syndrome—a bone spur that acted like a horn, fraying his Achilles tendon with every step.

The road to recovery was plagued by misdiagnosis and despair. At one point, King was told his career was over. The physical toll was so severe that he was prescribed anti-depressants just to numb the chronic pain while attempting to run. Coming off contract and unable to break back into the Melbourne "bubble" during the pandemic, King found himself at a crossroads, questioning if he would ever play again.

The Bulldogs Lifeline and Gus Gould

King credits Phil "Gus" Gould and the Bulldogs for saving his career. He signed a unique "rolling the dice" contract—a one-year deal that allowed the club to terminate him if he didn't survive pre-season. However, instead of pressure, King found support. Gould encouraged him to take all the time he needed to heal properly. That patience paid off; King didn't miss a single game in his first year at Belmore, transforming from a "lost soul" into one of the most consistent front-rowers in the NRL.

A Life Defined by Faith

At the core of King’s resilience is a profound Christian faith. He recounts a "God encounter" at the age of 13, where he felt a calling that he would play professional football through his spirituality. This faith guided him through three separate heart procedures to correct a serious condition known as SVT, and it even influenced his personal life. King speaks candidly about his commitment to celibacy before marriage, a decision he describes as the "best thing" he and his wife Christy ever did for their relationship.

Even the name of his son, Hercules, came through what King describes as a confirmed prayer, following a chance suggestion from teammate Josh Addo-Carr.

The Belmore Renaissance

Now a vital leader in the Bulldogs' pack, King is excited about the "powerhouse" the club is building. He credits coach Cameron Ciraldo for honouring the club’s rich history while fostering a multicultural, high-effort environment. With the Bulldogs re-emerging as a force in the competition, King believes the systems put in place by Gould and Ciraldo are built for long-term success.

For Max King, the journey isn't just about winning premierships—though he is still "holding God to that" dream—it's about the character forged through the struggle. From working the checkouts at Aldi to standing on the cusp of an Origin debut, King has proven that being "off the canvas" is just the beginning of the story.

Watch the full ep on Fanatics TV.