The 27-year-old said it was satisfying to be able to put smiles on the faces of long-suffering supporters.
“I feel so blessed to be here in the club’s success, and I’m grateful for the fans,” he said.
Johnny King on the burst in 1968.Credit: Fairfax Media
“This is a very proud club – a big club – and it deserves success. It’s just great to be a part of it doing well and playing in these big games.
“It’s just awesome to sort of give back to the fans by giving them these big games. And obviously Souths will bring a lot of fans as well [next week], so I think the atmosphere will be electric there.
“I can’t wait. I wish it was this week.”
While Canterbury occupy the highest rung on the competition ladder after their outstanding start, King realises it’s a long season and the Bulldogs will ultimately be judged on their performances in the months ahead.
Last year, after reaching the finals for the first time in eight years, they were eliminated in the opening round of the play-offs by Manly.
This year they are intent on making amends by progressing deep into the post-season and hopefully challenging for a title.
But even if King is to fulfil every player’s dream by winning a premiership, it won’t earn him bragging rights at family get-togethers.
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Now when his grandfather is former St George and Kangaroos winger Johnny King, who won seven consecutive grand finals from 1960-66.
“He won seven,” Max said of 82-year-old Johnny. “So there’s a few to catch.
“He scored in six of them and in one he got a double. So it was seven tries and seven grand finals.
“So it just puts in perspective … I need a few on the board before I can start comparing. We’ll take one in a row at the minute.”
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