Shock retirement helps settle the future of former St Helens star Luke Thompson

Yesterday, Canterbury Bulldogs veteran Josh Jackson confirmed his retirement from the sport.

The forward made the decision privately at first sending a message to his teammates.

“Hi Boys, sorry I wasn’t able to do this in person,” Jackson wrote according to the Daily Telegraph.

“I just wanted to let you know that I have made the decision to retire. It’s been great getting to know you and play alongside you over the last few years.

“I’ll still be floating around the club and I’m looking forward to next season.

“I wish you all the best.

“If there is anything I can do for you guys please reach out.

“Thanks Jacko’.”

The club subsequently made a formal announcement on Thursday with Johnson declining any sort of payout.

That is just half of the financial gift that Jackson has given Phil Gould and the club. He also leaves behind $500,000 worth of cap space according to the Daily Telegraph

This not only allows the club to continue their rebuild but sures up the futures of a number of players including England star and former St Helens man Luke Thompson.

The 2019 Harry Sunderland Award winner had been constantly linked with a move away from the Bulldogs throughout 2022 with the Wests Tigers and Melbourne Storm being tipped to take him.

This was due in part to the struggles the Bulldogs were having in managing their cap and it was believed that Thompson’s exit would help alleviate the pressure on the Dogs’ cap.

In the end, due to the brilliant form he has shown since moving down under, the Bulldogs opted to keep him and now they can be even more confident of keeping him and the likes of Matt Burton moving forward with this extra cap space made available to them.

Thompson recently told Serious About Rugby League that he had “unfinished business” in Australia and now that this secures his future, upon his return to the NRL he will be able to get straight back into the thick of things.