Debut number: 273
Matches: 12
Positions played: Prop
Tries: 0
Average metres: 57.2
Average tackles: 20.8
Coming off his final year the Under 20s system at the Knights, Josh King started the 2016 season as a regular starter in reserve grade.
With a strong pre-season under his belt he impressed by regularly playing very big minutes for a prop, and was called up to first grade in Round 7.
The apprentice electrician went on to play 12 more matches despite juggling work and studies as well, and was rewarded late in the season with a contract extension.
Debut
An injury to Jeremy Smith gave King the opportunity to come onto the bench in the Round 7 match against the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.
It was a daunting task for a first NRL game, but King drew praise from all quarters for the manner in which he acquitted himself.
In 33 minute he put in 21 tackles with 100 per cent accuracy, although the Broncos’ dominance minimized his opportunities in attack, as he made only four runs.
Best moment
While it was a heavy defeat to the Manly Sea Eagles, King put in his most complete performance of the season away from home in Round 21.
While much of the Knights’ forward pack was on the back foot, King played a season-high 44 minutes and produced 71 metres from ten hit-ups.
He also made 29 tackles with 94 per cent accuracy, laying the foundations for a strong finish to the year.
What makes him special?
King is a no-frills prop that specializes in doing the hard stuff through the middle that often goes unnoticed.
His toughness is his most obvious attribute, while his tackling is also a strength.
His 94 per cent tackling accuracy over the 2016 season demonstrates this, and with another pre-season under his belt King will be looking to play more minutes next year.
