KING TO DEBUT FOR PRIDE

It's a journey several years in the making, and covering many different locations, but this weekend Denzel King takes another step in his rugby league progression.

Hailing from the mining town of Weipa, King has returned 'home' to far north Qld after playing several years for the Bulldogs in the SG Ball and Holden Cup competitions. Time spent boarding at Ipswich Grammar School conditioned him to time away from the family home as playing rugby honed his playing skills. So much so that the Bulldogs came calling and offered King a playing contract.

After a few seasons plying his trade in the lower grades, an ambition to return home and represent his home region saw the Pride snap up the crafty hooker.

Allocated to Brothers, King has been a vital cog in the club's march to the top of the table in recent weeks, and his presence will be sorely missed.

Small in stature, King provides solid defence belying his size, and combined with his up-tempo style and strong running game, he will be a great foil to the steady influence of Jason Roos this weekend when he makes his Pride debut.