The Super League side reportedly leading the race for ex-St Helens star Luke Thompson

Luke Thompson has been in the UK for the past few weeks visiting his family following a private emergency.

During that time, the rumour mill has been going into overdrive with claims that Thompson is heading back to Super League after leaving St Helens back in 2020.

In his two years in the NRL so far, the heavyweight prop has made a reputation for himself as one of the toughest forwards at the Canterbury Bulldogs, with Australians suitably impressed with his game.

However, with homesickness a major issue for Englishmen going Down Under – the likes of George Williams and John Bateman for example suffered with the issue – it’s no surprise that Thompson continues to be linked with a move back home.

And, though a deal may not be struck for the rest of 2022, with Serious About Rugby League yesterday reporting that Thompson is heading home to play out the rest of the season with the Bulldogs, a Super League contract for 2023 could be just around the corner.

That’s according to The Mole at the Wide World of Sports who has claimed that it is WIGAN WARRIORS that are in pole position to sign the former Saints man which would really put the cat amongst the pigeons considering Thompson’s history with St Helens.

A few other clubs are also said to have shown interest in luring Thompson back to the UK – though his salary could well be a problem considering that he is on $800,000 at Canterbury.

That equates to just under £460,000 – a contract that barely any Super League side could afford on the salary cap present in Super League.

Let’s not forget that the cap is just £2.1 million compared to just over £5 million in the NRL.

Having said that, there is perhaps no substitute for being back at home and it’s that major carrot which will probably see Thompson back in Super League for 2023 and beyond.