'It sucks': Bradman Best reacts after Knights teammate's defection to Canterbury
Updated . First published at
Bradman Best admits "it sucks" that Knights teammate Leo Thompson won't be at the club long-term, but still hopes to see him succeed elsewhere.
The 24-year-old prop signed a four-year deal with the Bulldogs last week, ending the speculation over his NRL future which saw him linked with a number of rivals.
Thompson is one of the game's best young forwards and after the departure of Daniel Saifiti, was seen as Newcastle's front-row leader moving forward.
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Unfortunately, the dollars and security on offer at Canterbury were too much to pass up for Thompson and the impact of the decision is being felt in the Hunter.
"It sucks that he is leaving us," Best told media on Tuesday.
"He 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.
Leo Thompson will leave the Knights next year. Getty
"Rugby league is a funny sport, players come and go. We wish we could have had him, he's probably a leader within the group here and leads from the front.
"I'm happy for him, he deserves a bit of security down there and he's only 24.
"He's got goals and ambitions as well and he deserves this. He's gonna lead from the front, we have still got him for a year and he's not gonna leave any stone unturned."
Thompson will move to Belmore for 2026 and beyond, joining a growing list of high-profile recruits to the club under the leadership of Phil Gould and Cameron Ciraldo.
Canterbury have added Sitili Tupouniua and Tom Amone to their forward pack for the upcoming season, with Thompson seen as another piece in the premiership puzzle.
