Cam King Cracks the 300 Club
Written by Abbey Hurney
To describe Cam King in one word, what comes to mind is ‘tough.’ After 28 years of commitment to the mighty GPS Gallopers Cam will step foot onto the field at Yoku Road this weekend to claim his 300th game at the club.
A passionate club man and asset to the GPS community, King is known by many. Having coached Cam since as early as 2005, Nick Fogarty shared one of fondest Rugby moments Cam,
“Tough. I remember back in 2006 Cam played in a third grade Grand Final against Sunnybank. Cam was dominant that day and led from the front. The side comprised of mostly colts and Cam really stood up against a much older and more experienced Sunnybank side.”
“Cam suffered a very heavy tackle early in the game and played on not missing a beat. After the match he ended up in the emergency ward at the RBH and the doctor in charge ordered him to stay the night for observations. Cam later checked himself out of the RBH to join his team mates at the Normanby still wearing his hospital gown.”
While having a family, running a business and injury set-backs, Cam continues to make time for the club, improve, and contribute to the next generations of Gallopers. Long time, teammate and friend, Tom Christie shared,
“He wouldn’t ask anyone to do something he wouldn’t be prepared to do himself. He holds people accountable, whilst being able to have honest conversations, yet still have the respect of those throughout the club. He puts his body through the mincer each week, yet still fronts up each training ready to contribute.”
It’s a well-known fact that Cam King is a force to be reckoned with and is not someone you want to be running at, describes current coach of the GPS reserve grade side, Sio Kite,
“He is the last person on earth you want to run straight at – but what often gets lost in that is how deeply he cares about the club and the people involved. He is the epitome of many good things about GPS such as loyalty, dedication and community.”
Cam is a coach’s dream and any teammates first pick in the do or die moments. Having contributed to the first reserve grade grand final win since the early 70’s, and playing in ten consecutive grand finals across reserve grade and thirds he never takes a backwards step when playing in green and blue.
“Its been an absolute pleasure. Cammy would be the first bloke I pick in any GPS side as he is tough as nails, always gives 100% and have never seen him play a bad game” said Gallopers teammate Isaac Weier.
As a man who thrives on a challenge, relishes hard contact rugby and can turn the momentum of a match, congratulations on a very well-deserved 300 games Cam King. Welcome to the 300 club.
Cam (Far right) in 2011 celebrating 1 of his 5 Grand Final wins for GPS with teammates Sam Tewson, Andrew Poulton, Mark Donaldson and Liam Ferguson (L-R).
