Leeds hand new deal to former Toronto Wolfpack forward Bodene Thompson

Correspondent
Leeds have given a two-year contract to New Zealander Bodene Thompson, who spent the last three months of the season on loan from Toronto.

The 32-year-old back-row forward, who joined the Wolfpack from Warrington ahead of their 2019 promotion-winning season, became a free agent when the Canadian club failed to gain re-admission to Super League.

Leeds director of rugby Kevin Sinfield said: “Bodene came with an outstanding reputation and recommendation from Brian McDermott and he has lived up to those incredibly high expectations.

“He has settled into our group and become an important senior player in our group.

“The standards he sets in training and in games are an example for our younger players and we are delighted that he has agreed a long-term contract with the club.”

Thompson, who played in the NRL for Gold Coast Titans, Wests Tigers and New Zealand Warriors, made 11 appearances for the Rhinos but was ineligible for their Challenge Cup run after playing for Toronto earlier in the year.

He said: “It is great to have my future sorted. It has been awesome to be here at the Rhinos.”

Thompson was in the Warrington team that lost to Wigan in the 2018 Grand Final at Old Trafford.

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Super League Bodene Thompson