Retired NRL star to stay on at club as the question he left over ex-St Helens star continues

Josh Jackson took the NRL by surprise when he revealed he was set to retire.

The Canterbury Bulldogs’ man’s decision to call it a day alleviated the pressure on the club’s salary cap helping firm up the future of star players including ex-St Helens star Luke Thompson who had previously been linked with moves to Melbourne Storm, Wests Tigers, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, Leeds Rhinos and even a return to Saints in the past due to the fact their cap was so tight.

However, this decision helped answer the question over Thompson’s future. He backed this up when he told Serious About Rugby League during the Rugby League World Cup that he had “unfinished business” in the NRL.

Johnson’s decision created another question concerning Thompson and others however.

This was because it left a question over who would captain the side in 2023 and beyond.

Thompson was one of the names tipped to take on the honour alongside Australia skipper Josh Addo-Carr.

Meanwhile, it has been recently speculated that the captaincy could be used as a bargaining tool in luring Mitchell Moses to the club in 2024.

Though this would not solve the problem in 2023 which could see Thompson at least take on the honour in 2023.

However, as this question continues to burn, Jackson won’t yet leave the club meaning he could in fact have a say on what happens with the captaincy and whether Thompson receives it.

This is because he is set to take on the club’s strength and conditioning role according to ZeroTackle on account of his playing experience and his degree in sports science.

So, as the shadow of his departure looms over the captaincy candidates, he will be at the club watching on as a decision is eventually made.