His football priority, that is. The 26-year-old has learned in recent years that football can't be, and isn't, everything.

Needing an outlet away from the game after struggling with online trolls early in his NRL career, King focused on making a difference in the community.

His greatest impact has come through a commitment to the John Hunter Children's Hospital, which he visited regularly before COVID restrictions to support patients and their families. He has maintained those relationships through the pandemic with virtual visits and calls.

King was recognised for his efforts last week with a nomination for the Ken Stephen Medal, which is given each year to an NRL player for their involvement in charity work, youth development or community support.

"I don't think any of us ever expect to be recognised in that way," King said.

"There's plenty of good work that goes on every single day, especially around our club. There's plenty of boys doing good things and to be one of those guys recognised is pretty special and pretty humbling."

As well as visiting the hospital, King has at times helped organise groups of players to go with him. He said the work has helped him gain perspective.

"It's definitely one that's pretty close to my heart and I love going up there and seeing everybody," he said.

"I remember going a few years ago and I was probably struggling with footy at the time. We put so much emotionally into the game. Most of our lives just revolve around rugby league a lot of the time.

"I think it's hard sometimes, especially when you first come into first-grade and full-time football, it's hard to find how to switch off and find things away from football to do. I guess for me, that became something I was able to do.

"It just puts everything into perspective. We realise just how lucky we really are, even though you might have had a bad game or lost a game on the weekend, there's people with actual real-life issues. They are fighting serious diseases and could potentially lose their lives.

"You go and see them and they are just the happiest kids on earth. You see the parents. I couldn't imagine being the parent of a child with a life-threatening disease. You just want to break down and cry, but the parents are so strong.

"It's an amazing thing to go and see the families and I don't think you can walk out of the place without having a smile on your face.

"It's definitely a special one when you're able to go in and put a smile on a kid's face and hopefully we've taken their mind off what's going on in their life. If we can do that for even five minutes, I think we've done a good job."

The off-field recognition comes amid strong on-field performances from King, who now has 74 appearances for the Knights and hopes to add to that beyond this year.

"This is the club I grew up watching, this is where my family are from," he said.

"The Knights are my priority, whether that [deal] comes through, I'm not sure.

"I haven't had anything formal yet but that's something I'll definitely get on to in the coming weeks. But my priority is just to play some good footy and the rest should come off the back of it.

"But I definitely love the Knights and this is where I call home, so I hope, but you never know in rugby league."

"There's definitely a few things in the pipeline, but there's nothing in writing. It's still just trying to make that 17 each week and build on my game each week.

"I know if I can do that and play well, it will take care of itself. I try not to worry about that."

King has earned praise for his intensity off the bench this season.

"I'm pretty happy with how I'm progressing," he said.

"For the most part, the last month of footy I think I've taken a few strides. I've been working on a few different things, when I come on, just bringing a bit more energy, and things like that, so I've definitely been happy with how I'm progressing.

"But for me, it's just about being consistent and bringing that every week, and a little bit more, if anything.

"Through my reviews with the coaches here, there's always little things around technique and things like that to keep building, so always looking to improve and trying to be a consistent full-time player.

"The mindset is the big thing for me, too. Just being able to come on and bring that energy, not hold back or be hesitant."

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