Canterbury Bulldogs forward Max King has declared his intention to re-sign with the Belmore-based club beyond his current contract, ending speculation linking him to the PNG Chiefs in 2028. The link to Port Moresby first surfaced via a radio segment featuring former journalist Phil Rothfield, who suggested King was close to joining the Chiefs for their inaugural 2028 NRL season.
The report gained traction given the timing of King’s contract status and the Bulldogs’ salary cap, which is already stretched by several top-end deals. However, sources told Scott Pryde that King does not want to leave the Bulldogs, and he is viewed as a key retention target in Bulldogs circles.
King addressed the Chiefs speculation and his future on SEN Radio, making his intentions clear. “I’m not sure where it came from, love the Bulldogs,” the forward stated. “I’d love to be a Bulldog for life. In terms of PNG, I haven’t spoken to anybody.”
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King has become one of the Bulldogs’ most important forwards since he joined the club in 2022, playing 159 NRL games, including 109 for the Bulldogs. He also became a NSW State of Origin prop last season. Despite a shaky start in 2026, King remains a key player for the club, which finished with 11 wins last season.
The Bulldogs have several players contracted for the 2028 season, including 13 players with salary increases expected for some. Stephen Crichton’s $5 million extension will see him earn roughly $1 million a season, while Jacob Preston’s extension kicks in the 2028 season, starting at $800,000, which could increase to $960,000 with a salary cap increase.
King’s production this season has been down compared to his career-best form last year, but he remains a key target for the Bulldogs. He is also in the frame to play for England in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, highlighting his importance to the sport.