‘Tear in my Eye’: Phil Gould Reveals Emotional Phone Call with Bulldogs Star Max King After Origin Call-Up
In a heartwarming moment that underscores the emotional power of State of Origin selection, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs football boss Phil Gould has revealed an emotional phone call with Max King after the forward received his maiden New South Wales Origin call-up.
The 27-year-old Bulldogs prop has been one of the unsung heroes of the 2025 NRL season. Known for his tireless work rate, quiet leadership, and consistency through adversity, King was rewarded with a spot in Michael Maguire’s Blues squad for Game I of the State of Origin series — a move that has been widely celebrated by fans and pundits alike.
But behind the scenes, the moment of selection held a much deeper emotional significance — particularly for Gould, who has played a guiding role in King’s development at the Bulldogs.
Speaking on Nine’s 100% Footy, Gould became visibly moved as he recounted the phone call he received from King shortly after the selection was announced.
“I got a call from Max and he was in tears,” Gould said. “He just said, ‘Thank you, Gus. Thank you so much for believing in me.’ And honestly, I had a tear in my eye too.”
“He’s one of the hardest-working, most humble blokes you’ll ever meet in rugby league. For him to get this moment — it means everything.”
A Journey Forged in Resilience
Max King’s Origin debut is not just a reward for form, but a testament to perseverance.
After battling multiple injuries early in his career and facing an uncertain future following his time at Melbourne Storm, King arrived at Canterbury in 2022 on a train-and-trial deal. Under Gould’s leadership and the coaching of then-head coach Trent Barrett, he fought his way into the starting side — and never looked back.
In the seasons that followed, King became a central pillar of the Bulldogs’ forward pack. His relentless motor and leadership saw him named co-captain of the club in 2024. Even as the team struggled to break into finals contention, King remained one of its most reliable performers.
“He’s the kind of bloke who never complains,” said Gould. “He turns up every single day and gives everything. He’s the heartbeat of our forward pack. You just want to see guys like that get their moment.”
A Surprise but Deserved Call-Up
King’s selection came as something of a surprise to many rugby league observers, with most expecting more high-profile or flashy candidates to get the nod. But Blues coach Michael Maguire has signaled a shift toward hard-nosed, team-first players — a mould King fits perfectly.
Maguire praised King’s effort and character in a brief statement: “Max has earned this. He’s the kind of player who brings consistency, work ethic, and leadership. Those are the values we need in this team.”
The move also reflects a changing approach in the Blues’ camp — one focused not just on star power but on resilience, toughness, and unity. King’s selection sends a message that Origin jerseys aren’t just reserved for the elite — they’re for the grinders too.
Support From Across the League
News of King’s selection drew admiration from current and former players alike. Bulldogs teammate Matt Burton, who himself has donned the Blue jersey, said:
“Max is one of the best teammates you could ever have. The way he trains, the way he leads — it’s inspiring. Everyone here is buzzing for him.”
Veteran NRL commentator Andrew Voss wrote on social media:
“Max King — a reward for persistence, character, and team-first rugby league. Origin needs more blokes like him.”
Even rival players have chimed in, with Panthers forward Liam Martin tweeting:
“Massive respect for Max King. Great to see him get a shot — deserved.”
An Emotional Win for the Bulldogs
While the Bulldogs have had a challenging season so far, with a mix of promising youth and growing pains, King’s selection has provided a welcome lift for the club and its fanbase.
The club posted a tribute video to social media shortly after the announcement, showing highlights of King’s journey from raw forward to Origin star, set against emotional reactions from staff and players.
“Moments like these show that all the hard work is worth it,” Gould added. “It’s a proud day not just for Max, but for the whole club.”
Looking Ahead
King is expected to come off the bench in Game I at Accor Stadium, where the Blues will be hoping to reclaim the shield from Queensland after a tough 2024 series loss.
His role is likely to be that of an impact forward — bringing intensity and energy in the middle third. Those who know King best say that’s exactly where he shines.
“He won’t try to do anything fancy,” said former Bulldogs coach Mick Potter. “He’ll just roll up his sleeves and do the hard yards. That’s why he’s in the team.”
A Family Legacy
King also carries the weight — and pride — of a family legacy in rugby league. His grandfather, Johnny King, was a legendary winger for St George during their record-breaking premiership run in the 1960s.
While Max plays a very different style, the family’s love of the game has clearly passed through generations.
“This one’s for my family,” King said in a brief interview. “They’ve supported me through every setback. I just want to make them proud.”
Conclusion
Phil Gould’s emotional phone call with Max King serves as a reminder that rugby league, for all its toughness and tribalism, is still a game built on heart and humanity. For players like King, the Origin call-up is not just a career milestone — it’s validation of years of sacrifice and dedication.
And for Gould — a figure often portrayed as steely and calculating — the tears were real.
“I’ve been around this game a long time,” he said. “But moments like that, they never get old. They make it all worthwhile.”
As King prepares to step onto the Origin stage for the first time, he does so with the pride of a club, a family, and a league behind him.
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