The Sharks have boosted their depth in the hooking role in acquiring experienced number nine Cameron King for the 2020 season.
A standout junior, who represented NSW 18’s, the Australian Schoolboys and Junior Kangaroos, before being hampered by a couple of serious injuries during his time in the senior ranks, King has agreed to terms with the Sharks on a one-year deal.
An Endeavour High student, playing under now Sharks NRL Assistant Dave Howlett, King debuted in the NRL for the Dragons in 2010, had stints at the Cowboys and Eels, spent 2019 at Featherstone Rovers in the UK before landing in the Shire and at the Sharks.
The 28-year-old King trained with the Sharks earlier today
“It’s was good to get here, meet everyone and jump straight into it,” King said. “I wasn’t sure I’d get another opportunity in the NRL, so I’m grateful to be back. It’s good to get here and I’m excited about the year ahead.”
After a stellar junior career, King made the step up with the Dragons, playing his first game in a round 26 game during their premiership-winning year of 2010.
A ruptured pectoral muscle sustained playing for St George Illawarra in their World Cup Challenge match at the beginning of 2011 was a setback, however King signed on with the Dragons for a further two years before making the move to North Queensland in search of greater opportunity.
After suffering an ACL tear at the Cowboys in 2014 King returned to Sydney and to the Eels in 2016, spending three years at the Parramatta club, before heading off to the UK and to Featherstone.
A hit with Rovers fans, King played 28 games for Featherstone last year, guiding them into the “Million Pound Game” against Toronto and a match where the winner progresses into the English Super League. King scored 18 tries in his 28 matches for what was an impressive strike rate.
Although only a first look at his new teammates at the Sharks, King like what he saw and was psotive about what the upcoming season might bring.
“I think it’s really exciting the squad we’ve got here and I’m looking forward to a big pre season and hopefully a good year in 2020,” King added.
King will complement and compete with young gun Blayke Brailey for game time at hooker next year, with development player and new recruit from the Raiders Kyle Patterson also training strongly with the Sharks NRL squad.
Cameron King – Fact File
Born – September 17, 1991 – Wagga Wagga
Height – 180cm
Weight – 90kgs
Junior Clubs - Wagga Kangaroos, Queanbeyan Blues, Hurstville United
Previous Clubs – Dragons, Cowboys, Eels, Rovers (UK)
NRL Games – 43
NRL Debut – Dragons v Rabbitohs, Round 26, 2010
