Quote: Asgardian13 "I think that we have to conclude that Matt King simply is nowhere near as good as he appeared to be before we signed him. Playing in the back line of the all-conquering Storm probably flattered his ability, and his appearances for Australia were on the wing inside centres who could consistently put him into gaps to use his long stride and big frame to force scores. We can't deliver that type of service, and he has no sidestep or classy body-swerve, nor even Gleeson's dancing feet, to make space for himself. If everyone ( including the Aussie selectors ) were fooled than it's bad luck on us that we won the race for his signature. Despite carping from Pie fans they were just as desperate to get him at Wigan.
King's wages may be inflated vis-a-vis his ability, but it's hardly his fault for taking the money. Once you accept that he is basically a solid, sound RL back, then you see that he is really trying hard with the limited talent he has. It's not confidence - he's merely an ordinary player. Outside Gidley or Senior, he may get the sort of gaps he needs. What did he have today? Simon Grix, a capable second/back row forward as his centre!
If Simon Moran hasn't lost too much of his fortune in the slump, he may be tempted to do a deal with King at season end and let him go back to Aus. I doubt King would get a major contract there now, either, unfortunately, so the Wire pay-day will prove to have been his last big one.'"
on the limited amount of game time i have seen of king i think this seems a very fair assessment. whilst not having a particularly big impact on the games i have seen he at least appears to be putting the effort in. it's easy i suppose for fans in general to get on the backs of big money earners if the team is struggling, but like you say he can hardly be blamed for taking the money
