Shock club begin talks over huge Luke Thompson move

The likes of Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and St Helens have all been linked with a big move for England prop Luke Thompson in recent years.

Thompson left Super League when the pandemic hit and the country was forced into lockdown putting a stop to Super League and Thompson was snapped up by the Canterbury Bulldogs and legendary player James Graham left the NRL for one last hoorah with St Helens ending in Grand Final glory.

The year prior, Thompson had led St Helens to the title winning the Harry Sunderland Award at Old Trafford against Salford Red Devils.

The prop has been excellent for Canterbury when fit but he has struggled with injuries leading to speculation about a move to Super League.

That has again been the case in 2023 with the Mole of Wide World of Sports claiming he could make a big money move to Wigan Warriors for 2024 and beyond and with Leeds Rhinos even mentioned by some outlets at some intervals.

Now though it appears he could be headed to a new NRL club with Fox League reporting that the prop has held talks with Wests Tigers over a move.

The prop would be joining England teammate John Bateman should he join Tim Sheens’ side in 2024.

Bateman joined the struggling Tigers ahead of the 2023 campaign and has proven to be a great signing.

This year he has been linked with Wigan but 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.

Now the Daily Telegraph has now reported that Flanagan is keen on completing the move for Thompson after these talks.

It was believed he would miss the entire 2023 season but in a surprise twist Thompson has been named by the Bulldogs in their 17 for this weekend’s game against England teammate Dom Young and Newcastle Knights.

Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Enari Tuala 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Adam Elliott 14. Kurt Mann 15. Brodie Jones 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Mathew Croker 18. Dylan Lucas 19. Hymel Hunt 20. Simi Sasagi 21. Jack Johns 22. Daniel Saifiti