Luke Thompson could be set for shock exit

Luke Thompson may well be shown the door by the Canterbury Bulldogs as the club feels the salary cap squeeze.

The Bulldogs will have some major hitters on their books in the next few seasons with new signing Viliame Kikau on a reported $800,000 a year when his contract starts in 2023.

That’s on top of new recruit Reed Mahoney’s $650,000 salary, whilst Thompson is said to be on $800,000 himself, according to Fox Sports.

Thompson had been linked with a move to the Wests Tigers earlier in the season, with head coach Michael Maguire revealing that there had been serious interest in the former St Helens prop back in August, though the Englishman ended up staying with Canterbury.

The 26-year-old has caused a stir in recent weeks and months by his initial refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccination which had thrown his career into jeopardy.

The Bulldogs’ hierarchy had issued the statement that those unvaccinated will end up having their contracts terminated like new recruit John Asiata.

That threat seemed to spark Thompson into life and he has now had both vaccinations, despite setting up a home gym as he waited for more news.

But, the big-hitter is still on Canterbury’s list of those who they are willing to let go early in a bid to free up cap space.