Leo Thompson, one of the NRL’s most sought-after young forwards, has signed a four-year deal with the Canterbury Bulldogs starting in 2026.
The 24-year-old Kiwi international turned down a lucrative $3.5 million offer from the Canberra Raiders and a conditional extension from the Newcastle Knights to join a Bulldogs side that has emerged as a NRL premiership contender under coach Cameron Ciraldo.
Thompson’s decision marks a significant boost for the Bulldogs, who made the finals in 2024 and have been aggressively reshaping their roster.
The prop reportedly chose Canterbury not for financial reasons but due to the club’s upward trajectory and his confidence in Ciraldo’s ability to develop his game further.
“He has been impressed by the progress of several Bulldogs players under Ciraldo and believes his game can reach new heights,” sources close to the negotiations revealed.
The Knights, who had hoped to retain Thompson, were reportedly willing to increase their offer but were informed by the player that his concerns about his development and the club’s roster management factored heavily into his decision.
The Raiders, too, had high hopes of securing Thompson, with his partner’s ties to Canberra and the opportunity to play under Ricky Stuart seen as potential draws.
However, the Bulldogs’ vision for success ultimately proved decisive.
Thompson has developed into one of the NRL’s most improved forwards, combining his powerful presence with a high work rate that has made him a standout in recent seasons.
His signing continues a Bulldogs recruitment spree that has included key players such as Sitili Tupouniua, Marcelo Montoya, and Tom Amone.
While Thompson’s departure will be a blow for the Knights, he has committed to seeing out the final year of his current contract in 2025.
His addition to the Bulldogs in 2026 promises to further strengthen a forward pack that has been steadily bolstered over the past few years.
For Canterbury, Thompson represents not just a marquee signing but a statement of intent as the club aims to return to its premiership-winning ways.
With their eyes firmly set on future success, the Bulldogs are quickly becoming a team to watch in the NRL, with a $15 hope to win the 2025 NRL Premiership with top NRL bookmakers.
