‘I want to go out with a bang’: Leo Thompson’s vow to Knights fans after ‘hard’ decision to join Bulldogs

Leo Thompson has opened up on his decision to leave Newcastle at the end of the season, but he’s promised Knights fans one thing before he joins the Bulldogs.

Leo Thompson has broken his silence on his much-publicised move to the Bulldogs, with the Maori All Stars forward glad that everything has been put to bed before the season while he’s vowed “to go out with a bang” in his final year with the Knights.

The 24-year-old international star was one of the most sought-after players on the open market, with several clubs including the Raiders desperate to sign him, only for Thompson to settle on a four-year deal with Canterbury.

Middle forwards are a valuable commodity, which is why the Bulldogs were so keen to sign the powerhouse prop who is coming off his best year in the NRL and will only get better as he continues to evolve.

There were reports Thompson was set to sign with the Green Machine given his partner is from Canberra and he used to be in the Raiders system, but he eventually settled on the boys in blue and white.

Leo Thompson has vowed to give it his all in his final season with the Knights. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

“Everything’s been put to bed now and I can just focus on my season with Newcastle, so I’m happy that’s out of the way. I’m just focused on this year,” he said after the All Stars game.

“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 per cent this year.”

The Knights are now in an interesting position given Thompson is leaving. There are reports that Jayden Brailey could be squeezed out, while veterans Dane Gagai and Tyson Frizell are at the back end of their careers but still playing great footy.

It’s why there’s a “last ride” feeling coming out of the club.

Thompson is fresh from helping the Maori All Stars win on Saturday night, with Knights teammate Dane Gagai making some crucial tackles at the death. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

“Because 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 like ‘Friz’ and ‘Gags’. Hopefully, they keep playing for the next 3-4 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.”

As for what sealed the deal for him to choose the Bulldogs, Thompson wasn’t keen to divulge whether Phil Gould took him out for his patented Chinese meal.

“That’s between us,” he laughed.

“I’m not worried about the Bulldogs this year. I’m all Newcastle.”

Originally published as ‘I want to go out with a bang’: Leo Thompson’s vow to Knights fans after ‘hard’ decision to join Bulldogs