Special: Luke Thompson discusses his time in the NRL, his move to the Wigan Warriors, and the “banter” between St Helens
A new hire for the Wigan Warriors Luke Thompson is eager to return to “winning” after a difficult few years with the Bulldogs, but he says he has no regrets about his time in Australia.
Thompson left St Helens in the middle of 2020 to play for Canterbury Down Under. The Dogs have gone through five head coaches and have not finished higher than 12th in the last four seasons, although they did win the wooden spoon in 2021.
The prop has chosen to sign a four-year contract with Wigan, the defending Super League champions, after returning to his native UK.
Thompson told Love Rugby League, “Joining Wigan is a great move right now.
Some excellent young children are emerging from them. I hadn’t won much at the Bulldogs, so I wanted to get back to it. I have a fantastic opportunity here.
“A foot injury kept me out for the most of the year. I had one or two NRL options before Wigan extended an offer to a four-year contract. I desired to hold off until I could resume playing.
I considered all of my choices, and this seemed like the best fit for me. I went to school in Wigan, I live there, and I’m from Wigan.
Here at the Warriors, so far, it’s been amazing. Preseason began last Monday. So far, things are going well, and the atmosphere is great.
Luke Thompson is well-prepared and ready to go.
Over the past 18 months, the front-rower has battled foot and concussion injuries, but he is adamant that he is back to full fitness.
Thompson said, “I had a little bit of bad luck.” “This year, a week before our match against Manly, I had my foot done right before round one. That was extremely damaging.
“I had a concussion in 2022, which caused me to miss eight games. However, I’m now fully recovered.
“I wouldn’t change it for the world” describes Australian life.
Despite his personal injury concerns and the Bulldogs’ on-field struggles, Thompson thoroughly enjoyed his time in Australia.
“I really enjoyed it, but it was pretty full on,” he remarked.
“My spouse and I had a great time living in Australia. It’s nothing like I would have changed. All I wish is that we could have performed better against the Bulldogs.
“Coaches and players changed a lot for us. It becomes challenging. However, I hope the best for them.
“I’m not sure (about the upcoming season), but it will be interesting to watch their progress. For them, this year could be difficult.
Born in Higher End, Thompson first gained notoriety at St Helens after enrolling in their academy at the age of eleven. He went on to represent both the Red V of St Helens and the Cherry and White hoops of Wigan.
Between 2013 and 2020, the forward played in over 160 games for Saints and helped the team win two Grand Finals.
He claims that after becoming well-known with the Red V, he had no qualms about joining their fierce rivals.
Thompson says, “I grew up in Wigan, but my parents are from St Helens.”
“My girlfriend’s family has been teasing me a little bit; they are all St Helens supporters. I promised to get each of them a Wigan jersey for Christmas. (But) I simply adore my work, so I’m professional.
“When I play at the Totally Wicked Stadium, there might be a few jeers, but that doesn’t worry me.”
At the 2021 World Cup, England prop Luke Thompson (left) and John Bateman (right) celebrate a try. – Alamy
Thompson has represented Great Britain and was a member of the England team at the World Cup last year.
He acknowledges that he was not shocked to be left out of the most recent series against Tonga.
The prop said, “My foot was still healing, so I only played the last four games of the NRL season.”
“I talked to Shaun Wane, and he said he wanted to give some other players a chance and give me some time to heal.
“I had no expectation of being chosen at all. Robbie Mulhern and a few other talented young prop players had outstanding seasons.
“I’ll be working really hard to get back into the England setup next year. I adore representing England.
