Former Newcastle Knights enforcer Leo Thompson has spoken for the first time as a Canterbury Bulldogs player.
The 25-year-old kiwi has arrived at Belmore on a four-year deal until the end of 2029 and saved special praise for the club’s famed culture and passionate fanbase.
“I can’t wait, I’m excited to move to Sydney for a change of lifestyle and to come to the Bulldogs,” Thompson said.
The five-time New Zealand international was a recruitment target for several NRL clubs including Canberra, but said he ultimately chose to wear the blue and white based on what he’d seen and heard about the club.
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“The style of football they play, I pride myself on the effort areas and I could see just by watching the Bulldogs (under head coach Cameron Ciraldo) that they do as well, they all work hard for each other,” Thompson explained.
“I love seeing the boys put on a mad kick and chase hard for the ball, those are the things that excite me—they train real hard and I can’t wait to be a part of that.”
‘I’m keen for them to be on my side’
Thompson was also happy that Canterbury’s famously hostile fans will now be cheering for him, rather than against him.
“I can’t wait to get out in front of the Bulldogs fans, I’ve played against them and felt the atmosphere with everyone chanting, so I’m keen for them to be on my side,” he laughed.
“Personally, I want to take my game to another level—and I want to win a premiership.”
In a curious twist, Thompson will be reunited at the Bulldogs with his former Newcastle Knights boss Adam O’Brien who joins Cameron Ciraldo’s coaching staff as assistant in 2026.
The Bulldogs will also welcome Sean O’Sullivan (Dolphins), Gordon Chan Kum Tong (Sea Eagles) and Fletcher Baker (Broncos) ahead of the club’s 2026 NRL season opener against the Dragons in Las Vegas.