Big Luke Thompson update as huge move edges closer

Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and Hull KR have all made big transfer moves for 2024.

Leeds Rhinos have brought in Mickael Goudemand for next season and could also bring in former Huddersfield Giants star Danny Levi.

Speaking of former Huddersfield hookers, Kruise Leeming is headed to Wigan Warriors after his Leeds exit earlier this year and his detour to Gold Coast Titans. The Warriors have also brought in Catalans Dragos duo Adam Keighran and Tiaki Chan as well as Sam Walters.

Warrington Wolves turned to the NRL bringing in Lachlan Fitzgibbon from Newcastle Knights beating four other clubs to his signature.

Hull KR have also turned to the NRL bringing in Peta Hiku and Oliver Gildart. In fact many clubs will turn to the NRL for transfers.

Speaking of which, since he left St Helens in 2020 as the 2019 Harry Sunderland Award winner, Luke Thompson has constantly been linked with a move back to Super League.

Thompson has been brilliant for Canterbury Bulldogs when fit but that has been few and far between sadly.

There have been claims that Wigan have put in a huge offer according to the Mole who reported:

“The Bulldogs are in danger of losing star Englishman Luke Thompson for next season.

“Thompson has been sorely missed by the club in the early rounds, sidelined with a serious foot injury suffered at training in February.

“But the 27-year-old remains a key figure at Belmore and is expected to be back on the park in a month or so.

“Thompson comes off contract at the end of the season and has received a massive four-year deal from the rich Wigan club.

“It’s money the Bulldogs can’t match – despite Thompson’s current contract being worth $800,000 a season – so ultimately it will come down to whether he wants to stay in Australia for the lifestyle or return home to take up a deal that will secure his future long-term.”

There has been talk that Leeds Rhinos could consider an offer for the prop as well.

However, in an interesting twist St George Illawarra Dragons have now entered the race to sign the prop according to Sydney Morning Herald.

They claim Shane Flanagan has identified him as a major target and that they have even held a meeting and initial talks.

However, as these talks about a move do the rounds, it can be easy to forget that Thompson is injured and according to Canterbury chief he is still out indefinitely.

He said on social media last week:

“Thompson still looks indefinite. Cortisone injection last week to try and speed up process. Kikau had bad bout of pneumonia two weeks ago which put his recovery back a few weeks. It’s been one setback after another this year. May as well get all the bad luck out of the way now.”

This crushing blow has been confirmed with Gould reiterating this week that Thompson is out indefinitely which came as Gould confirmed Thompson’s recovery is a struggle.

A disappointing blow for Thompson and what this means for the prop moving forward and where he will play in 2024 remains to be seen.

It though appears he could have played his last game for the club with a move to Super League or St George Illawarra Dragons likely.