CAMERON King’s 44-minute appearance on Sunday afternoon may have been a bit more significant than most people realise.
In an injury-ravaged career, the more than half a game on the field was the most King, 21, has played in the top grade since making his NRL debut in 2010.
And the dummy half didn’t just come through unscathed: he was sharp and added an extra dimension to a tiring Dragons’ attack in his seventh top grade game.
‘‘It was the most minutes I’ve played in the NRL,’’ King said. ‘‘We were getting a role on and getting forward a lot.
‘‘For me it’s taking it week by week.
‘‘I’m still a rookie in NRL games so I’m just working with the halves and getting more confident.’’
There’s no doubting King’s pedigree.
He was picked in every junior representative side available, most of them a year young.
A strong performance in the Dragons’ opening round loss against Melbourne has him primed for a big year.
‘‘I had a strong pre-season and worked really hard,’’ King said.
‘‘I got fitter and stronger.
‘‘Injuries are just part of footy and I’ve had a fair few in recent years but the body is feeling good.
‘‘The confidence is good and I’m confident in myself and the team.’’
As part of the Dragons’ middle defensive unit, King will need to be strong when his side host fellow first round losers Brisbane at WIN Stadium tomorrow night.
The Broncos strength is their forward pack, headed by representatives Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker, Alex Glenn and Ben Hannant.
‘‘As a forward unit we know we set the tone for the game,’’ King said.
‘‘It’s going to be a big game for our forwards because Brisbane have such a strong pack.
‘‘We’re going to have to start well and control the ruck.’’
Coach Steve Price has named an unchanged squad.
Chase Stanley (knee) is unlikely to play and Daniel Vidot is expected to replace the Hurstville junior.
King will come off the interchange bench again.
‘‘I just sit there and have a look at what’s going on and what’s working on what’s not,’’ King said. ‘‘I try and get them on the back foot.
‘‘Pricey tells me to play my natural game and get them out their and boss the forwards around.’’
