Newcastle Knights prop Leo Thompson is reportedly on the verge of sealing a $3.2 million move to the Canberra Raiders in 2026, despite interest from a host of rival NRL clubs. Wide World of Sports reported on Friday that Ricky Stuart’s Raiders have won the race for one of the hottest players on the open market and that Thompson has informed teammates about his big-money move.
The Knights were hoping to extend the Kiwi Test star beyond 2025 but the 24-year-old has made it clear he’s ready to move on from Newcastle after next season. The Bulldogs were among the clubs interested in signing Thompson, who met with Canterbury officials, including coach Cameron Ciraldo last week. However, the Dogs ruled themselves out of the running for the prop’s signature.
The Sydney Roosters also emerged as a late threat to Canberra’s hopes of snaring Thompson, with Trent Robinson’s side losing veteran prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves after last season and releasing Terrell May to join the Wests Tigers in 2025. But the Raiders had a distinct advantage over their rivals due to the fact Thompson’s girlfriend is from Canberra and the prop played junior footy in the nation’s capital.
Parramatta and the Dragons were the other clubs reportedly keen on recruiting the Kiwi Test star from 2026 onwards, sparking a bidding war for his services. And while the reported $800,000 per season, four-year deal is a lot of money for a prop, NRL great James Graham says he believes it represents a great piece of business for the Raiders.
“I think he’s the hottest one on the market,” Graham said on The Bye Round. “It definitely seems like it’s halfbacks and then front-rowers for players who will be paid the most. I think for a guy like Leo Thompson – and this sounds strange – but he is probably worth more because he doesn’t play Origin.”
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