One of the NRL's brightest young forwards has secured a four-year deal with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs starting in 2026. Leo Thompson's signing has stirredย  mixed emotions within the rugby league community.

The 24-year-old's decision marks a significant coup for the Bulldogs as they continue to bolster their forward pack under the guidance of Phil Gould and coach Cameron Ciraldo.

For Thompson, the move represents a chance to secure long-term financial stability and pursue new opportunities, but for his Newcastle Knights teammates, it's a bittersweet development.

Knights teammate Bradman Best didn't shy away from expressing his feelings about Thompson's departure.

โ€œIt sucks that he is leaving us,โ€ Best admitted.

โ€œHe is such a good player, but I'm so happy for him. He has worked so hard to get this opportunity to secure a spot for him and his family.โ€

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Thompson's rise through the ranks has been impressive. Regarded as one of the top young forwards in the game, he has become a vital part of the Knights' forward pack, earning respect for his work ethic and leadership qualities.

His departure comes on the heels of Daniel Saifiti's exit, creating a leadership void in Newcastle's engine room.

โ€œRugby league is a funny sport; players come and go,โ€ Best continued.

โ€œWe wish we could have had him... He leads from the front.โ€

For the Bulldogs, Thompson's signing signals their intent to climb back into premiership contention. After a largely successful 2024 season that surprised many, it was evident that one of the missing pieces that saw them fall short in the finals series was an alpha-type forward.

His arrival will complement a forward pack that already features recent additions like Sitili Tupouniua and Tom Amone.

While disappointed to see Thompson leave, Best couldn't help but applaud his friend's ambition and determination.

โ€œHe's got goals and ambitions as well, and he deserves this,โ€ Best said.

โ€œI'm happy for him.โ€

Newcastle fans can take solace in the fact that the Kiwi international remains a Knight for one more season.