Bodene Thompson agrees two-year deal with Leeds Rhinos

Kiwi forward Bodene Thompson has penned a two-year contract with Leeds Rhinos after impressing on a short-term deal.
Bodene Thompson on the charge for Rhinos against Castleford. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.Bodene Thompson on the charge for Rhinos against Castleford. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.
Bodene Thompson on the charge for Rhinos against Castleford. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.

The former Leigh Centurions and Warrington Wolves back-rower made 11 appearances for Rhinos this year after joining them in August, initially on loan from Toronto Wolfpack.

Following Betfred Super League's decision not to readmit Toronto next year, the 32-year-old has signed a contract with Leeds until the end of 2022.

“It is great to have my future sorted," Thompson said.

"It has been awesome to be here at the Rhinos.

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"The first week I came here, I couldn’t wait to rip in and start playing games for the club.

"I have come in and tried to do my best and I have loved every minute of it.

"I am very happy with the decision we have made.

"My partner and I are excited to be moving over to Leeds with our twins due in the new year."

Looking ahead to next season, Thompson added: "I can’t wait to see this group continue to grow.

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"It is crazy to look around the dressing room and see how young our guys are, but they have already got so much experience.

"They have got old heads on their shoulders and I love training and playing with them.

"They have such a great drive and you never want to lose that."

Rhinos director of rugby Kevin Sinfield said: “Bodene came with an outstanding reputation and recommendation from [Toronto's ex-Rhinos coach] Brian McDermott and he has lived up to those incredibly high expectations.

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"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 he has agreed a long-term contract with the club.”

New Zealand-born Thompson made his NRL in 2009 for Gold Coast Titans and also had spells with Wests Tigers and New Zealand Warriors before moving to England in 2018, to join Leigh.

He moved to Warrington that season and featured in their Grand Final defeat by Wigan Warriors.

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Thompson joined Toronto the following year and played 21 games in their Championship promotion-winning campaign.

He was part of the New Zealand Kiwis’ 2014 Four Nations squad, without making a Test appearance.

He was capped for New Zealand Maori against England 10 years ago.

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