Canterbury Bulldogs forward Max King has moved to end speculation linking him to the PNG Chiefs in 2028, declaring his intention to re-sign with the Belmore-based club beyond his current contract.
The link to Port Moresby first surfaced via a Triple M Radio segment featuring former journalist Phil Rothfield, who suggested King was close to a lock to join the Chiefs for their inaugural 2028 NRL season.
The report gained traction given the timing of King's contract status and the Bulldogs' salary cap is already stretched by a number of top-end deals, making the rumour seem plausible.
However, Zero Tackle editor Scott Pryde on September 8 reported that sources told this publication King does not want to leave the Bulldogs.
King is viewed as a key retention target in Bulldogs circles.
The move to Port Moresby doesn't appeal to King.
Speaking on SEN Radio, King has addressed the Chiefs speculation and his future, making his intentions clear.
"I'm not sure where it came from, love the Bulldogs," the forward stated.
"I'd love to be a Bulldog for life.
"In terms of PNG, I haven't spoken to anybody."
After finishing in the top four last season, the Bulldogs had a shaky start in 2026 and missed the finals.
The club finished with 11 wins, a marked step back from the previous year's run to the finals under Cameron Ciraldo.
King has become one of the Bulldogs' most important forwards since he joined the club at the start of 2022.
King has played 159 NRL games, 109 for the Bulldogs, with stints at the Gold Coast Titans and Melbourne Storm.
Last season, he also became a NSW State of Origin prop.
King's production this season has been down compared to his career-best form last year in 2025.
The prop averaged 121 metres per game with a 95% tackle efficiency.
Currently, 13 players are contracted at the club for the 2028 season.
Several players are expected to have salary increases with their new deals.
Stephen Crichton's $5 million extension will see him earn roughly $1 million a season.
Jacob Preston's extension kicks in the 2028 season, starting at $800,000. However, a salary cap increase of up to 20% would increase his salary to $960,000.
Leo Thompson's reported salary when he signed with the Bulldogs for the 2028 season is $825,000.
Lachlan Galvin's deal with the Bulldogs will see him earn $750,000 in 2028.
Max King is also in the frame to play for England in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
