England have turned to several heritage players for this Rugby League World Cup, but for Max King, selection is a dream he has been working toward for a long time.
King was born in Huddersfield and moved to Australia at seven years old. His early memories of rugby league were shaped by his grandfather's affiliation with Leeds Rhinos and Huddersfield's love for the sport. The Canterbury Bulldogs prop has harboured World Cup ambitions for years, writing his goal on a sticky note on his wall to make the England side for the 2022 tournament.
That moment did not come then. Instead, a phone call from new England head coach Brian Mc Dermott reignited the ambition. King is now in the squad for this year's World Cup, where he will represent his own and his mother's English heritage. If selected, he could make his debut in England's opening match against Tonga on Saturday, October 17.
"It is a special moment for my family being able to represent myself and my heritage," King said. He recalled regular trips to England as a teenager and young adult, and said his family's reaction had been emotional. He also acknowledged that players on the Australian side can face questions about their loyalty and dedication to England. "I was just trying to make sure I was doing whatever it took to be here towards the end of the year," he said. Now, that sticky note goal has become a reality, with England set to face Tonga on October 17.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing