Canterbury-bound Leo Thompson insists he won’t be taking his foot off the gas in his final season with Newcastle, vowing to “go out with a bang” at the Knights.

His club future was one of the hottest storylines of the off-season with the New Zealand Test star in hot demand.

Newcastle was desperate to retain him, while Canberra, the outfit who first brought the 24-year-old to Australia, had viewed the prop as a long-term replacement for Josh Papali’i.

But, Canterbury won the race for his signature, in what is a significant endorsement for the Bulldogs’ direction under Cameron Ciraldo.

“I know that this is going to be my last year with Newcastle, I want to go out with a bang,” Thompson said.

“There are a few of our boys that are getting along [in age] like ‘Friz’ (Tyson Frizell) and ‘Gags’ (Dane Gagai).

“Hopefully, they keep playing for the next three to four years, but we don’t know how long they’re going to be playing for.

“That’s a bit of a vibe in our team that we need to make it happen this year.”

Thompson said the move away from Newcastle was complicated by the fact coach Adam O’Brien had helped nurture him into one the game’s elite front-rowers.

His twin, Super Rugby convert Tyrone, has also landed at the Knights for 2025.

“Everything’s been put to bed and I can focus on my season with Newcastle,” Thompson said.

“I’m happy that’s out of the way. I’m just focused on this year… It was hard.

“It took me a while to come to terms with it, but it is what it is and I’ve made my decision.

“The club and my teammates have been understanding of it and they know that I’ve put that aside and I’m going to be with the Newcastle Knights 100% this year.”

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