James Phelps, The Daily Telegraph
RUGBY league is full of comeback stories but Cameron King’s is surely one of the most improbable.
The 25-year-old thought his career was over after a series of four horror injuries until, at his lowest point, a late-night phone call from Kyle Stanley inspired him to keep chasing his NRL dream.
Set to become the Parramatta Eels’ first choice hooker this season, King had already been struck down by shoulder and chest injuries when a knee injury ended his 2014 season while attempting to resurrect his career with the Cowboys.
The nephew of Panthers legend Greg Alexander was sitting alone in the dark when he got the phone call from Stanley that convinced him not to give up on his dream.
“Kyle had already had four knee reconstructions,’’ the former Dragon and Cowboy said.
“He was the one that got me through it. I was ready to throw in the towel. And I think I would have if it hadn’t have been for Kyle.’’
King and Stanley are great mates.This is the remarkable story of how the rugby league’s unluckiest player helped resurrect the NRL career King started in 2010 when he stormed onto the scene as a 19 year old with the world at his feet.
Stanley heroically came back from four knee reconstructions only to be forced into retirement last year at just 24 when he was tragically struck down by his 5th serious knee injury.
“He spoke to me every night when I was injured,’’ King said.
“There were hundreds of late night calls and texts. He had been through four knee reconstructions and come back from everyone. Every time I felt down I would send him a message or call him and he would get me through.’’
King could be the Eels unlikely saviour this season after bolting into contention to become the club’s first choice hooker.
King spent the season playing NSW Cup last year after recovering from the knee injury that threatened his career.
King has played just 21 matches since his debut in 2010.“I came to Parramatta at the start of the season,’’ King said.
“And I was fit and playing well but they couldn’t play me in first grade because of the salary cap. It was one of the hardest years career wise because I was playing well but couldn’t get the opportunity because of the salary cap situation.
“But again Kyle helped me through, as did Brad (Eels coach Brad Arthur), who was really good.
“He kept me in the loop and encouraged me.’’
King’s rugby league history reads like a Stephen King novel.
“First it was my shoulder in 2010 when I was about to get my start with the Dragons,’’ King said.
“I needed surgery so that put me out for most of the season. Nathan Fein broke his ankle at the same time so it was a real missed opportunity.
“I came back for three games and then tore my pectoral (chest muscle) over in England playing in the World Club Challenge.
‘Mitch Rein established himself that year so it was a it made it difficult for me to stay at the Dragons.’’
Next went his shoulder.
“I did my shoulder again in 2013 before signing with the Cowboys,’’ King said.
“I got over that and went on to join North Queensland in 2014. I thought it was all behind me but after a couple of games I did my ACL.’’
And that’s when King was ready to quit.
Enter Stanley.
“He was just so inspirational,’’ King said. “We have been best mates since we were 15 and I have never met a tougher man. What I was going through was nothing compared to what he had copped and he really put it into perspective.’’
King was left shattered when Stanley was forced into retirement last year after suffering a career ending injury while attempting to make his latest comeback playing for the Sharks in a pre-season trial.
Stanley played just 46 games NRL games.
But thanks to King, Stanley’s NRL legacy will continue.
“He will be on the field with me every game I ever play,’’ King said.
“I have made a promise to write his name on my wrist every time I take the field.’’
Replies
Cameron King was meant to be the next big thing until injury got in his way. By all reports he's doing extremely well at training and even with all the games he has missed throughout his career he is still only 25. If he stays fit he's a certain starter.
He did play very well in th 9s , then got pushed back at the start of the season, we then got smashed by the NRL and his first opportunity was gone. Think he has a good shot this year
Bring it on - great call by the coach. Lets hope he stays fit and healthy
"Set to become the Parramatta Eels first choice hooker" - What for the Ron Massey Cup? He was ranked number 4 this season behind Peats, IDG and Kaysa Pritchard and now he has jumped to number 1 after playing a full season in second grade? This has to be a gee up from his Manager because he wasn't anything special for second grade and I watched a few of his games. He wasn't even the best hooker for Wenty for crying out loud! I'd be surprised if he even has a top 25 contract as I think Kaysa would have the second top 25 hooker spot behind IDG. I'd also have Robson at hooker in the NRL in front of King. What is the world coming to. He makes Keating look good.
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