Canterbury Bulldogs sign Newcastle Knights star Leo Thompson on four-year deal
The Bulldogs have emerged victorious in the battle for Newcastle prop Leo Thompson, securing the most in-demand star on the player market on a long-term contract.
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Canterbury have landed a massive blow on the player market by securing the most in-demand star available by signing Newcastle prop Leo Thompson after the Raiders were told he would not join them.
Thompson has been in talks with a host of clubs since the November 1 trade window opened after informing the Knights he would not remain at the club last month.
The Raiders were told on Thursday that Thompson won’t be taking up their lucrative offer with Thompson instead opting to join Cameron Ciraldo at the Bulldogs.
It is understood he has agreed to a four-year contract from 2026 worth about $825,000 a season. The Raiders offered the most money whilst the Knights offer was comparable to Canterbury’s.
The Raiders were confident that Thompson would return to the club where he played junior grades. His partner is also from Canberra whilst they earmarked him to be the replacement for veteran Josh Papali’i.
It is a massive win for Canterbury, given Thompson accepted less money to join the Bulldogs in 2026.
The Bulldogs have been in the market for a prop after missing out on Stefano Utoikamanu who joined Melbourne for next season.
Thompson met with Bulldogs officials at their Belmore headquarters last month.
Thompson’s decision to leave Newcastle is a cruel blow for the Knights given they made a substantial offer to keep him. They developed Thompson into a marquee player but he is now leaving the club before he hits his peak.
The Knights also missed out on Melbourne’s Jonah Pezet after making a play for Pezet to be the club’s long-term half.
Thompson, 24, has been a revelation since making his NRL debut for the Knights in 2022. He has also played five Tests for New Zealand with his best football now ahead of him.
He is the third high profile player to indicate they will leave their club at the end of the 2025 season with Reece Robson (joining the Roosters) and Daniel Atkinson (Dragons).
The Knights will now turn their attention to trying to find a Thompson replacement.
The likes of Corey Jensen, Oregon Kaufusi, Tom Hazelton and Davvy Moale are among the props without a club beyond 2025.
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Originally published as Canterbury Bulldogs sign Newcastle Knights star Leo Thompson on four-year deal
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