The Bulldogs have secured a major new year’s coup, landing the services of Newcastle prop forward Leo Thompson on a four-year deal from 2026.
The Kiwi international, regarded as one of the most improved players in the NRL over the past two years, knocked back a lucrative offer from the Canberra Raiders worth around $3.5 million over four years to accept a deal of lesser value at the Bulldogs.
The 24-year-old’s decision to leave Newcastle at the end of his current deal means he will leave $200,000 on the table in the form of an upgrade in 2025, which was conditional on extending his contract.
Thompson on Thursday informed Canterbury officials of his decision to head to Belmore in 2026. Thompson was swayed by the trajectory of the Bulldogs, who finished in the top six in 2024, and believes they can challenge for premierships over the duration of his deal.
Thompson has also been impressed by the significant development of a number of Bulldogs players under coach Cameron Ciraldo, and thinks his game can go to another level under his tutelage.
The Knights expressed a willingness to increase their offer to Thompson to keep him at the club, but were told money was not his primary motivation.
Newcastle’s Leo Thompson is on his way to Belmore.Credit: Getty
Sources with knowledge of the situation talking on the condition of anonymity due to the confidential nature of the discussions said Thompson had raised concerns with Newcastle officials about his development at the Knights and the club’s roster management.
Thompson’s impending departure is another major blow for recruitment guru Peter O’Sullivan, who was brought to the club to overhaul a roster that has become skewed under the salary cap.
The Knights recently missed out on former Newcastle junior Jonah Pezet, who turned down a four-year, $2.5 million deal to re-sign with Melbourne.
The Raiders, who saw the front-rower as a long-term replacement for Josh Papalii, put forward an impressive pitch to lure Thompson back to the club at which he played as a junior.
A passionate Leo Thompson with Dane Gagai.Credit: Getty
While Thompson, whose girlfriend hails from Canberra, was excited by the prospect of linking with Raiders coach Ricky Stuart, he took less to play in Sydney. He also had strong interest from the Dolphins.
The 23-year-old will join premiership-winning Roosters back-rower Sitili Tupouniua, English Super League prop Tom Amone, Warriors winger Marcelo Montoya and Knights outside back Enari Tuala at the Bulldogs in 2025 after another impressive recruitment drive.
Thompson has informed the Knights of his desire to see out the final year of his contract in 2025 before departing in 2026.
The Bulldogs have long been searching for an enforcer to lead their forward pack, but have resisted the urge to splash cash on the likes of Stefano Utoikamanu and Addin Fonua-Blake.
The club could further bolster its forward stocks with promising Gold Coast prop Josiah Pahulu.
The Bulldogs have tabled the front-rower a two-year deal from 2026. Pahulu has asked for permission to leave immediately following the club’s decision not to play him in the final game of the season – a match that would have triggered a $40,000 bonus clause in his contract for playing 20 games in his rookie season.
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