One of the worst kept secrets in local rugby league has finally been revealed with Newcastle prop Leo Thompson joining Canterbury from 2026.
It’s understood the in-demand Knights product inked a four-year deal on Friday 3 January after the resurgent NRL outfit firmed as the frontrunner for his signature in recent days.
Off contract after 2025, the New Zealand international told reporters in November he was hopeful of finalising his future before round one, with Canberra also vying for his services.
Thompson’s impending arrival is a big boost for the Bulldogs, who lacked a forward pack enforcer in their comeback 2024 season, instead building success around a group of lightweight utilities.
The club had also made plays for Stefano Utoikamanu and Terrell May to fill that role for 2025 before the pair respectively signed for Melbourne and Wests Tigers instead.
Canterbury finally secured its man this week, rated one of the best up-and-coming middle forwards in the NRL.
The 24-year-old has shown enormous potential across 64 games and three seasons with Newcastle.
He was a starting prop in all 23 of his appearances in 2024 as the Knights locked in a fourth finals berth in five campaigns.
He will make one final charge for Newcastle, who lured his twin brother Tyrone from Super Rugby side the Chiefs for 2025.
The decision to farewell Thompson is set to allow the Knights to prioritise other off-contract talent, with Adam Elliott, Mat Croker, Jayden Brailey and Jack Hetherington among regular first-graders without deals beyond this season.
- With AAP
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