Corey Thompson using James Tedesco as example in bid to become Wests Tigers fullback

Corey Thompson has spent most of his rugby league career as a winger, but his club coach Michael Maguire views him as a long-term No.1 option ahead of skipper Moses Mbye.

Thompson is getting advice to expand his game. Image: Alix Sweeney

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It’s the conversation that started with finding a way to get winger Corey Thompson involved in the Wests Tigers attack and ended with coach Michael Maguire handing him the No.1 jumper.

Thompson, who has played most of the 2019 season out on the edge, revealed Maguire views him as a long-term option at fullback ahead of skipper Moses Mbye.

“It’s probably the first time a coach has said ‘Corey here’s fullback, it’s yours to lose’. I want to take it with both hands and not let it go,” Thompson said.

“I was on the wing and he [Maguire] really liked what I brought to the team and for a couple of weeks we were trying to figure out how to get me more involved and not just taking hit-ups out of my own in goal.”

Thompson is getting advice to expand his game. Image: Alix Sweeney

To ensure he does make the position his own, Thompson has been studying former Tigers and now Sydney Roosters custodian James Tedesco — in particular, for his ball playing.

“I want to be a better ballplayer … I watch James Tedesco, just because I think our running styles are sort of similar. We enjoy running the ball a lot. I just think how well of a ballplayer he is, that’s something I can get to. It’s not a hard skill to learn. I Just have to keep practising,” Thompson said.

But the NSW Blues superstar isn’t the only person helping Thompson improve his game at the back. Thompson said Mybe, the man he usurped, was giving him tips and even joining him during video sessions at training.

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“To be honest, he has been great. I have known Moses since we have been at the Bulldogs so we’ve known each other for a long time,” Thompson said.

“When I got moved back there, the first day I had video, Moses came in and did it with me. From day one he has been by my side pointing out where I can get better.”

A positional switch into the spine isn’t Maguire’s only show of faith in Thompson’s ability. Maguire has re-signed Thompson on a two-year deal until the end of 2021.

“It was good that the club offered two [years] and I didn’t have to push for two [ears]. I’m glad now so I cant stop stressing, you don’t want to stress but you do when your future is not secure. Now I’m sorted I’m really happy,” he said.

The Tigers wouldn’t mind Thompson becoming a Tedesco clone. Image: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

The Tigers will be aiming for back-to-back wins at Bankwest Stadium tonight against South Sydney after beating North Queensland 27-26 in golden point two weeks ago.

For the Rabbitohs, halfback Adam Reynolds will return from a back injury but captain Sam Burgess is out for another week as he recovers from shoulder surgery.

Fullback Alex Johnston has succumbed to bone bruising of the leg. Utility back Corey Allan will replace Johnston in the no. 1 jumper. Braidon Burns has finally recovered from a hamstring injury suffered in round three against the Gold Coast and has been named to play at centre.

Originally published as Corey Thompson using James Tedesco as example in bid to become Wests Tigers fullback