Bulldogs star Luke Thompson shopped to rivals.
Dean Ritchie, Fatima Kdouh and James PhelpsAugust 18, 2021 - 4:35PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
Canterbury prop Luke Thompson has attracted interest from rival NRL clubs after his English-based manager could not secure a new, long-term deal with the Bulldogs.
While wanting him to complete his contract at Belmore, Canterbury would consider releasing Thompson early should he procure a lengthy deal elsewhere. The Bulldogs know there is interest in Thompson.
Thompson has two years remaining on his current Bulldogs deal but his agent, Andy Clarke, has been contacting NRL clubs trying to gauge their interest in the giant British forward from 2024.
The Daily Telegraph has been told Wests Tigers have shown a keenness in Thompson, who earns around $850,000 a season.
Clarke wants to nail down Thompson’s long-term future in Australia. He contacted Canterbury hoping the club would agree to an extension.
Yet with a crammed salary cap, Canterbury was unable to tell Clarke they could extend Thompson beyond his current deal. Thompson has an option his way for 2023.
If he can obtain a four-year deal for Thompson, Clarke may ask Canterbury for a release.
The Daily Telegraph has been told Canterbury is right on its salary cap limit for next season.
Rival clubs would want Canterbury to pay around $350,000 a year to take Thompson.
Canterbury can send out its new-look squad next season with any financial pressure but would struggle to sign any new players - or even upgrade a player - given how tight their salary cap has become.
New Bulldogs general manager of football, Phil Gould, is closely monitoring and reworking the club’s cap. Thompson leads the club’s stats every week but an early departure would free up some cash.
Canterbury is adamant Thompson is not being shopped around - it’s more Clarke trying to settle his client’s long-term NRL future. Clarke is said to be looking “at all options”.
There are no guarantees Canterbury would allow Thompson to leave early but the club would carefully consider any approach.
There is at least one other Sydney club which has been approached about Thompson.
Thompson has told friends he wants to stay at Canterbury and be part of the expected revival next season.
The Bulldogs are open to moving a player or two while they work to reshape their salary cap. Canterbury has one spot open for next season.
Thompson has established himself among the finest forwards in the NRL desire playing in a wooden-spoon side. He overcame a bout of homesickness just last year.
In September last year, Thompson said: “I’m fully committed to the Bulldogs.”
Thompson will play prop in Canterbury’s match against Newcastle this Saturday on the Gold Coast.
