Ex-St Helens prop Luke Thompson reveals why he left to join Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL

Former St Helens forward has been at the Canterbury Bulldogs for almost two years now.

After making the move at the height of the coronavirus pandemic in the UK, Thompson settled in relatively easy to life in Australia, putting in some impressive performances despite the Bulldogs’ bottom-placed finish.

Since then, he has continued that form, so much so, that he was made vice-captain alongside Josh Addo-Carr in the Bulldogs’ superb 16-12 win over Sydney Roosters last weekend.

And, now Thompson has revealed why he left what he called a ‘comfortable’ position at St Helens.

“It was the toughest decision of my life,” Thompson told the KB Show.

“I’d been there since I was 11 and I’d been there eight years in the first team, so it was home for me was St Helens and leaving there was really tough.

“I wanted the experience coming out here, you learn about yourself and I just fancied it really.

“As much as I loved it there at, I could have stayed there and been comfortable but I wanted another challenge.”

The 26-year-old highlighted the difference between Super League and the NRL.

“The game is so big out here, rugby league is a bit overshadowed by football in the UK but everyone is mad about rugby league here.

“Everyone recognises you; I hadn’t played a game and someone stopped me in the street!”