Max King is still trying to bury it in the back of his mind.
But the memory of being booed off the field by his own fanshasn’t faded, almost two years after Canterbury were slaughtered 66-0 by Newcastle on their home turf at Accor Stadium.
“Yeah, I won’t forget that 66-0 loss … that was a tough day,” King said.
“We got booed off at half-time, and I just remember being in the shed thinking ‘wow’. That hasn’t happened to me before.
“So, yeah, our fans are passionate. They’re passionate when we’re going well, and they’re passionate when you’re not going well. That’s what passion is.”
Fortunately for King and his Bulldogs teammates, all they have seen this year is positivity from the Belmore faithful, who are at fever pitch after Canterbury’s unbeaten start to the season.
Bulldogs prop Max King.Credit: Getty Images
It is more than 30 years since the Bulldogs kicked off a campaign with five successive victories, and after this week’s bye they will return for a blockbuster Good Friday clash with South Sydney expected to attract a crowd of more than 50,000.
King, who joined the Bulldogs in 2022 after stints with Gold Coast and Melbourne, has strung together 71 NRL games for the club.
The 27-year-old said it was satisfying to be able to put smiles on the faces of long-suffering supporters.
“I feel so blessed to be here in the club’s success, and I’m grateful for the fans,” he said.
Johnny King on the burst in 1968.Credit: Fairfax Media
”This is a very proud club – a big club – and it deserves success. It’s just great to be a part of it doing well and playing in these big games.
“It’s just awesome to sort of give back to the fans by giving them these big games. And obviously Souths will bring a lot of fans as well [next week], so I think the atmosphere will be electric there.
“I can’t wait. I wish it was this week.”
While Canterbury occupies the highest rung on the competition ladder, King realises it’s a long season and the Bulldogs will ultimately be judged on their performances in the months ahead.
Last year, after reaching the finals for the first time in eight years, they were eliminated in the opening round of the play-offs by Manly.
This year they are intent on making amends by progressing deep into the post-season and hopefully challenging for a title.
But even if King is to fulfil every player’s dream by winning a premiership, it won’t earn him bragging rights at family get-togethers.
Now when his grandfather is former St George and Kangaroos winger Johnny King, who won seven consecutive grand finals from 1960-66.
“He won seven,” Max said of 82-year-old Johnny. “So there’s a few to catch.
“He scored in six of them and in one he got a double. So it was seven tries and seven grand finals.
“So it just puts in perspective … I need a few on the board before I can start comparing. We’ll take one in a row at the minute.”
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