St George Illawarra’s Joel Thompson unsure if he has played final game for club as Manly Sea Eagles circle
JOEL Thompson says he has “no idea” if he has played his last game for the Dragons — but wherever he ends up, the back-rower wants rip in next season.
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JOEL Thompson says he was not blindsided at rival clubs circling saying there had been “brief discussions about it”.
Thompson’s immediate playing future remains clouded despite having a year to run on his contract with St George Illawarra. Manly are keen to entice the back-rower to the club provided they can free up some salary cap space.
Thompson said he has “no idea at the moment” if he has played his final game for the Dragons after meeting with his manager David Riolo last week.
“I’m waiting to see what the news is,” Thompson said. “I love the Dragons and I love the place. I’ve played a good four years there. I’ve got some really close friends not just with the players but the staff. It’ll be sad to leave if that’s what happens but that’s the way footy goes.
“Wherever I end up going I just want concentrate on having a bigger year next year”
A move to Manly could see the 29-year-old given a multi-year deal as the Sea Eagles look to bolster their back-row stocks. If he stays at St George Illawarra next year it would more than likely be his final season at the club.
“There was talk of it coming but it’s always a surprise,” Thompson said. “I could be at the Dragons next year or I could be elsewhere, I’ve got no idea.
“I could be at Manly or not … I’m if staying I’ll be ripping in. If I’m going I’ll embrace what the other team has got.”
“The Dragons have been really good but I’ve got a young family and security is important to me”
“I’m keen to get it sorted as soon as possible to stop people contacting me and I get on with enjoying my break”