Luke Thompson has likely played his last game for NRL club ahead of huge transfer move

The likes of Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, Hull KR and Hull FC at the moment have all been at the centre of transfer stories, announcements and rumours.

We have seen Warrington Wolves announce the signing of Lachlan Fitzgibbon for 20224 whilst Hull KR have brought in Oliver Gildart, Peta Hiku and former Castleford Tigers target AJ Wallace from the Bradford Bulls.

As all these transfers are talked about and discussed, there is one man who is never far off the discussion.

That is former St Helens star Luke Thompson who after winning the Harry Sunderland Award in 2019 left for Canterbury Bulldogs part way through 2020.

When fit he has done brilliantly for the Bulldogs but has been undone by injuries and constantly been linked with a return to Super League.

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:

“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 means he could have played his last game for the club.