ManlyBacker
Winging it
King's long wait for the NRL crown
Jason Avedissian MD
08Sep07
WHEN the Sea Eagles were routinely qualifying for the finals during the mid 1990s, Jason King was there watching from the stands at the Sydney Football Stadium.
The all-seated Moore Park venue was where all finals matches were played in those days, ensuring each team a fair crack at premiership glory.
But over a decade on and the semi-finals are played in the suburbs, in King's backyard at Brookvale where he grew up idolising his beloved Sea Eagles.
``When I was growing up I had to go to the SFS, I went to all the games I could,'' he said this week.
``I never thought I'd be playing a semi at Brookie.
``But when I came into league (in 2001), I thought it would be awesome to get a home semi . . . we've never had the chance before.
``We came close last year, but now it's happening and I can't wait. Being a local junior makes it really special.
``We have worked so hard and this is a small step towards our dream.''
Clearly that dream is lifting the NRL title on the evening of September 30 at Telstra Stadium.
King knows it's a few weeks off yet, but he is confident under coach Des Hasler the club has the arsenal to go all the way.
``We've definitely got the fire power to do it,'' he said.
``We've got a few players here who are really high quality and been in the semis before. We've just got to keep playing the way we've played the majority of the year.''
The timing of Brent Kite's injury also gives King the chance to grab the number eight jumper and start up front.
The 26-year-old has played two matches off the bench since returning from a knee injury a fortnight ago.
He is now ready to lead the way against the Rabbitohs in the qualifying final at Brookvale Oval tonight.
``I'm feeling really good, feeling quite refreshed,'' King said.
``It was a little bit frustrating there for a while not playing, but I think it was good to give the body a rest.
``I'm excited about the opportunity and can't wait to start.''
Jason Avedissian MD
08Sep07
WHEN the Sea Eagles were routinely qualifying for the finals during the mid 1990s, Jason King was there watching from the stands at the Sydney Football Stadium.
The all-seated Moore Park venue was where all finals matches were played in those days, ensuring each team a fair crack at premiership glory.
But over a decade on and the semi-finals are played in the suburbs, in King's backyard at Brookvale where he grew up idolising his beloved Sea Eagles.
``When I was growing up I had to go to the SFS, I went to all the games I could,'' he said this week.
``I never thought I'd be playing a semi at Brookie.
``But when I came into league (in 2001), I thought it would be awesome to get a home semi . . . we've never had the chance before.
``We came close last year, but now it's happening and I can't wait. Being a local junior makes it really special.
``We have worked so hard and this is a small step towards our dream.''
Clearly that dream is lifting the NRL title on the evening of September 30 at Telstra Stadium.
King knows it's a few weeks off yet, but he is confident under coach Des Hasler the club has the arsenal to go all the way.
``We've definitely got the fire power to do it,'' he said.
``We've got a few players here who are really high quality and been in the semis before. We've just got to keep playing the way we've played the majority of the year.''
The timing of Brent Kite's injury also gives King the chance to grab the number eight jumper and start up front.
The 26-year-old has played two matches off the bench since returning from a knee injury a fortnight ago.
He is now ready to lead the way against the Rabbitohs in the qualifying final at Brookvale Oval tonight.
``I'm feeling really good, feeling quite refreshed,'' King said.
``It was a little bit frustrating there for a while not playing, but I think it was good to give the body a rest.
``I'm excited about the opportunity and can't wait to start.''
