Despite former St Helens forward Luke Thompson not shutting the door on a return to Super League, there has been interest fomenting from a surprise club.
The Englishman is on big bucks next year and there has been talk over the past year that the Canterbury Bulldogs would be open to letting the 26-year-old go in a bid to ease salary cap pressure, with Viliame Kikau and Reed Mahoney on their way to Canterbury next season.
However, the Daily Telegraph has now revealed that Melbourne Storm are sniffing round the Super League Grand Final winner.
Storm will be losing veteran prop Jesse Bromwich to new franchise the Dolphins as they begin their NRL story in 2023.
Thompson was reportedly offered to the Wests Tigers before the season started, but he is determined to stay at Belmore until the end of his contract – however, he is unsure where his future lies beyond that.
“I’m not really sure about the rumours, they didn’t really come from me,” Thompson told the Daily Telegraph.
“I signed a three-year contract at the Bulldogs and I have every intention of fulfilling my contract.
“I am really looking forward to the season ahead and the year after.
“Going back home is always going to be an option but I think I will decide when it comes around to it. I’m enjoying my time over here [Australia] at the minute.”
Thompson has been one of the bright sparks for Canterbury since joining and has earned himself a reputation Down Under for bulldozing runs and big hits in defence.
And, having been one of the bright sparks in the Bulldogs’ difficult season so far, Thompson has dropped one of the biggest hints of his future yet.
Thompson captained the side alongside Josh Addo-Carr in Canterbury’s superb 16-12 win over Sydney Roosters, and, after the game he spoke to the Bulldogs’ official YouTube channel.
“An absolute honour,” Thompson said having been named captain, “I’m real proud to play for this club and to lead the boys tonight it means a lot to me.
“Every time I put this shirt on I give 110%.”
It seems that Thompson is more than settled at Belmore, then.