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‘Could be a steal’: Why the most-in demand player on the NRL market has the world at his feet

Leo Thompson is the NRL's most wanted man, and with good reason.

The 24-year-old Knights enforcer is being hunted by a host of rival clubs after knocking back a contract extension, setting off alarm bells across the game.

Thompson has been linked with half a dozen clubs in recent weeks, with Canterbury seen as the early front-runners before reportedly opting out of the race.

Newcastle were keen to hold onto Thompson, especially after the recent decision to part ways with veteran forward Daniel Saifiti, but were unable to match other offers.

Knights players celebrate with Leo Thompson. Getty

It has prompted a bidding war for the Kiwi wrecking ball, with the Raiders, Roosters, Eels and Dragons all interested in luring Thompson for the 2026 season.

Indications are that Thompson had been offered deals around the $3.2 million mark across four years, which may look like massive numbers on the surface, given he has only played 64 first grade games and another four at international level.

However, according to English great James Graham, those figures could be a "bargain" if Thompson manages to continue on an upwards trajectory in the coming years.

"I think he's the hottest one on the market," Graham said on The Bye Round.

"It definitely seems like it's halfbacks and then front-rowers for players who will be paid the most. I think for a guy like Leo Thompson – and this sounds strange – but he is probably worth more because he doesn't play Origin.

"As crazy as this might sound, that 800k per year compared to [Addin] Fonua-Blake, [Payne] Haas, [Joseph] Tapine and the Tino [Fa'asuamaleaui] types, who are on anywhere between 900 and $1.1 million … with his best football ahead of him and if he can get into the top of the props category, that 800k could look like a steal.

'Could be a steal': Why the most-in demand player on the NRL market has the world at his feet

Payne Haas is one of the game's best props.  Getty

"It sounds insane and especially back from when I was playing and even to verbalise it. People will be listening and thinking 'a bargain for 800k, come on mate'.

"But when you draw comparisons – he's still got that in his locker." 

Thompson became a real front-row leader for the Knights this season, starting in all 23 of his appearances for the side as they made a late run into the finals.

He averaged 104 run metres and 31 tackles per game, setting the tone for the likes of Kalyn Ponga and Bradman Best to strike with ball in hand.

But it's his work off the field that has impressed Brandon Smith, who revealed Thompson has earned comparisons to James Fisher-Harris in the early stages of his career.

'Could be a steal': Why the most-in demand player on the NRL market has the world at his feet

Leo Thompson during Kiwis camp.  Getty

"There's a certain window after the season where clubs are just chasing a certain player – it's so crazy the type of money that is being thrown around for front-rowers," he said.

"Everyone I have spoken to, they all call him 'baby Fish' because the way Fish prepares, Leo Thompson does exactly the same thing, and that's something you want.

"He has still got a lot more potential to grow, he has come from rugby union and this game is still relatively new to him. The trajectory he is going in all points to good things. 

"It seems crazy to think, but that $800,000 is deadset the $600,000 from four years ago. Things have changed and the money has gone up."

Thompson is yet to make a formal decision on his future, but will remain with the Knights for the 2025 season until his contract expires.  

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