Max King’s bizarre NRL contract saga takes another twist

In a head-spinning contract saga, Max King was set to join the Storm last week on a two-and-a-half year deal until the end of 2021 before injuries to key players changed Gold Coast’s thinking.

Max King’s contract saga has taken another twist. Picture: AAP

• Transfer market: Dragons finally land replacement for JDB

• Exclusive interview: Latrell opens up on NRL future

Max King’s bizarre contract saga at the Titans has taken another twist with Gold Coast bosses today agreeing to release the prop to Melbourne — for a second time.

The Titans have performed more backflips than a Russian gymnast, initially agreeing to letting King go, then blocking the move, only to change their mind again to finally free him to join the Melbourne Storm.

The Courier-Mail can reveal the messy transfer before June 30 is finally over with King to officially begin training with the Storm on Sunday.

In a head-spinning contract saga, King was set to join the Storm last week on a two-and-a-half year deal until the end of 2021 before Jai Arrow and Tyrone Peachey suffered injuries in Gold Coast’s loss to the Warriors.

Max King’s contract saga has taken another twist. Picture: AAP

King had said his farewells to his Titans teammates and even passed a medical to join the Storm before the June 30 trade deadline.

The 22-year-old packed his contents into his car and had started the 18-hour drive to Melbourne when he received a call to make a U-turn after the Titans cancelled the move due to their injury dramas.

The Titans advised King they needed him to stay as cover for Arrow, who could miss the rest of the season with ankle ligament damage that could sideline him for up to three months.

The Titans are also without skipper Ryan James for the rest of the season, while Kevin Proctor is sidelined for another fortnight with an eye-socket injury.

LISTEN! The crew try to get their heads around the Blues selection policy for Origin II and ask if it’s a version of The Simpsons’ “Homermobile”, plus Latrell Mitchell’s future and Matty goes to the movies.

But now the Titans have changed their mind again.

It is understood King received fresh notification this morning from Titans recruitment chiefs that he is free to join the Storm immediately.

The rising prop will re-pack his car again in the coming days and hopes to be considered for selection for Melbourne’s round 15 clash against the Roosters at Adelaide Oval next Friday night.