1:31 Luke Thompson explains why he moved from St Helens to Canterbury Bulldogs earlier than planned.
“At the time, you don’t really think about it and you don’t really know about it,” Thompson said. “All you want to do is play for Saints and you’re over the moon to be on the tour.
“When I was packing all of my stuff to come out here, I went into my wardrobe and found an old Canterbury Bulldogs vest I’d had for years.
“I bought it when I went to Australia with Saints when I was 16. It’s pretty mad that I bought that back then and now I’m going to play for them.”
Following in Graham’s footsteps
The reason he owns a Bulldogs vest is due to James Graham, who he looked up to as a youngster and followed when he made the same journey from St Helens to Canterbury for the 2012 season.
Graham was able to offer some advice to Thompson, who turned down an offer from New Zealand Warriors to move to one of the competition’s Sydney-based clubs, and he is keen to make the same sort of impact in the NRL the 34-year-old did with Canterbury and St George Illawarra Dragons.
“I spoke briefly Jammer a couple of times and it’s funny I’m going to the Bulldogs, because obviously that’s where he went to,” Thompson said.
“I’ve always followed the Bulldogs ever since he left Saints and went there, so it’s quality I’ve ended up going there. I’ve had to pinch myself a bit at times.
“I think it is viewed as the best competition in rugby league and I want to challenge myself among some of the best players in the world.”
Sourse: skysports.com
