Former high school classmates Hudson Young and Max King have declared they are ready to make an instant impact off the bench for the Westpac NSW Blues as they reunite in Wednesday’s State of Origin opener.
The pair grew up together in Maitland, where they attended All Saints College and played SG Ball for the Knights.
Their rugby league journeys took them away from Newcastle on divergent paths, but they’ve now reunited as Blues after King was selected to make his State of Origin debut and Young earned a NSW recall.
Back together as interchange forwards, the duo are desperate to make in impact off the bench on Wednesday night.
Inside Camp: Hudson Young
"We went to school together," Young told NRL.com. "He's a great kid and I'm really happy for him. His form this year has been tremendous and I'm sure he's going to handle this arena.
"Getting to this point is about laying foundations and maintaining standards. The Bulldogs are on top of the ladder for a reason and he's a big part of that, so he'll transition into this level really well."
Both Young and King have endured personal challenges that threatened to derail their careers before they got started.
A 16-year-old Young was handed an 18-month ban in 2015 after testing positive to a banned substance, having consumed a store-bought supplement given to him by his uncle.
The suspension ended his time in the Knights pathway and nearly derailed both his football career and his life.
The Raiders eventually gave him a second chance and Young has repaid coach Ricky Stuart with interest, developing into one of their most important players.
As for King, he joined the Titans Under 20s program in 2016 and played 17 games in an impressive rookie NRL season the following year.
Hudson is unstoppable!
The prop eventually moved to Melbourne, where he struggled with a debilitating Achilles injury. A suspension forced him to watch the Storm's 2020 grand final victory from the sidelines and he missed the entire 2021 season with injury.
Bulldogs boss Phil Gould eventually gave King a lifeline and he has largely maintained a clean bill of health since joining the club.
While it was tough to watch his childhood friend struggle so much just to get on the field, Young said it's all worth it now they're back together as Blues teammates.
Match: Maroons v Blues
Game 1 -
home Team
Maroons
away Team
Blues
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
"We both came through and played SG Ball at Newcastle together," Young said. "He was always talented and worked hard and he's got that same ethic now.
"Coming from the same area in Maitland, you always keep a close eye on the boys from the area. It was sad to see him go through the injury struggles but I'm so happy he's come out the other side. His family will be so proud and for him to be able to wear the Blues jersey now, there's nothing better."
Young enters Wednesday's clash desperate for his own piece of Origin redemption, having lost all three matches he's played for NSW.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has lamented the way the forward has been utilised for the Blues, last year labelling Young the 'scapegoat' following a 38-10 Game One defeat in which centre Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i was sent off after just seven minutes.
The backrower was dropped for the final two games of the series and was forced to watch from his Canberra living room as NSW lifted the shield in Brisbane.
An all-time epic encounter
The experience was bittersweet for Young and he's determined to make up for lost time at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.
"I've built good foundations throughout the first 10 weeks [of the season] and I feel like I'm a better player this time around," Young said. "Last year the boys went on to win a series and to watch that was really exciting.
"Playing off the bench last year in the Kangaroos with world-class players gives you great confidence. I've matured a lot now as a player and it's a role I'm looking forward to going out and executing."
