King staying put at Dragons

Photo: Getty

Not too many players say no to Wayne Bennett, but St George Illawarra hooker Cameron King has joined the minority in rejecting Newcastle's offer to stay at the Dragons.

It's understood King not only knocked back his former mentor, but also accepted less money to stay in the Red V until the end of 2014.

"I'm really excited to have re-signed with the Dragons. We are a very proud club (and) I really enjoy being here. They have been great to me," King said on Thursday.

"We have a lot of young talented guys coming through the ranks and a great group of established senior players."

"I believe the club has a big future and I want to be a part of it."

The Dragons made the retention of King - a St George junior and former Junior Kangaroos skipper - a high priority.

The talented No.9 missed last season after tearing a pectoral muscle in the World Club Challenge and has played just two NRL matches, but Saints view him as pivotal to their ongoing success.

After seeing off the Knights' challenge for the 20-year-old, Dragons boss Peter Doust declared: "Cameron is an exciting young talent who has progressed through our development program and we are delighted that we have been able to agree to terms to extend his time at the club."

"Cameron hasn't had much luck of late with injuries but he is dedicated to his rehabilitation and the team that we know he will be back in the shortest possible time."

"Such application to his and the team's performance combined with his enthusiasm and commitment to all club activities are a testament to his character."

"He is an important part of our future both on and off the field."

St George Illawarra have also snared promising young Cronulla backrower Tyson Frizell on a two-year deal commencing 2013.