PLAYING against older brother George is nothing new for Toby King.

Having joined Warrington Wolves as juniors together and progressed through the ranks to the first team, George left The Wire at the end of the 2018 season to join Wakefield Trinity.

Now among the ranks of Saturday’s opponents Hull Kingston Rovers, he is playing some of the best rugby league of his career under Tony Smith – the man who gave both brothers their senior debuts during his time as The Wire’s head coach.

George King has been in good form for Saturdays opponents Hull Kingston Rovers. Picture by SWPix.com

George King has been in good form for Saturday's opponents Hull Kingston Rovers. Picture by SWPix.com

With Toby also in fine form with six tries to his name already in 2021, their latest meeting appears to have come at the perfect time.

“It’s always a privilege to play against him and I’m more excited than ever this time,” the younger King said.

“With the form he’s in, he’s one of the best forwards in Super League at the minute.

“It’s exciting to see him get his confidence and get some big minutes under his belt.

“I hope he plays well on Saturday but it’s more important that we get the win.

“He’s played with Tony previously and he’s got him playing big minutes. He’s put a stamp down this year and hopefully he can keep it going.

“He just needed game time and confidence. I always had the belief in him.

“He’s coming into the prime of a forward’s career now. He’s battle-hardened and his running game has come on really strong.

“There’s not many brothers that get to play at each other. It’s come at a good time with both of us in good form.”

Despite the season being just five games old, King has already doubled the try tally he managed for the whole of 2020.

Toby King has six tries in five appearances so far in 2021. Picture by Mike Boden

Toby King has six tries in five appearances so far in 2021. Picture by Mike Boden

While happy to get over the whitewash when he can, there is another way in which the 24-year-old would prefer to see his success measured.

“I don’t like to praise myself on scoring tries but more so on the assists.” he said.

“Last year, I had a lot more assists than tries and I think as a centre, you should be counting the tries your winger scores.

“Gaz (Widdop) has put me away for a couple and I’m sure he feels the same way as a half back.

“I guess it’s just the left-side combination that is working well at the moment.”

With Greg Inglis confirmed to be making his Wire debut against the Robins, talk between now and then will be dominated by where the Australian legend will line up.

King and those inside the Wire camp already know, of course, so has his brother been fishing for inside information?

“I’ve kept away from him – he keeps ringing me for team news but I’m not divulging,” Toby joked.

“He’ll find out like everyone else on Saturday.”

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