Cameron King announces retirement aged 29

Josh McAllister

Cronulla Sharks hooker Cameron King has announced his retirement from rugby league, aged 29.

King made his first team debut in the NRL for the St George Illawarra Dragons in 2010 against the South Sydney Rabbitohs, and has since featured for North Queensland Cowboys, Featherstone Rovers and Parramatta Eels.

He joined Cronulla Sharks ahead of the 2020 season, but suffered a season-ending ACL injury in the club’s pre-season fixture against Canterbury Bulldogs.

King posted on social media: “Since I was four years old all I ever wanted to do was play rugby league. I have lived and breathed it for 25 years. I feel truly blessed to have had 10 years as a professional athlete but the time has come for me to announce my retirement from the NRL.

“I am truly grateful to have been able to live out my childhood dream. I’ve met so many great people along the way who will remain lifelong friends. Thank you to my family who have always supported my dreams, especially my mum and sister who have been there every step of the way.

“I want to thank every player and staff member I have worked with at the Dragons, Cowboys, Eels and Sharks. I’ve faced a lot of adversity in my career and I feel I never did reach my potential. Mentally and physically I have faced many battles but I have been so lucky to have been a part of some successful clubs that have won premierships and I’ll be forever grateful for those memories.

“To my fiancé Kristy, thank you for the sacrifices you have made for me to live my dream. Nothing is more important to me now than our young family and I can’t wait to start this next chapter of our life together.

“Thank you rugby league.”