Luke Thompson Confirmed : Wed Oct 04, 2023 5:02 pm  

4 year deal.

Re: Luke Thompson Confirmed : Wed Oct 04, 2023 5:05 pm  

A risk but one that could pay off handsomely. If it doesn’t work out, I think the rest of the pack is good enough to compete for honours anyway. I’ll look forward to watching him.

Re: Luke Thompson Confirmed : Wed Oct 04, 2023 5:07 pm  

Well, not convinced but it is a statement signing so will have to see how he goes injury-wise.

Welcome to the club

Re: Luke Thompson Confirmed : Wed Oct 04, 2023 5:12 pm  

That is an outstanding signing. He is a world class front rower despite his injuries. For years we’ve lamented the lack of size, strength and depth of our pack. We can’t say that anymore. Some serious competition for places next season.

My only gripe is that the Mago re-signing seems utterly bizarre. If I didn’t see a spot for him before, I really, really don’t now.

Re: Luke Thompson Confirmed : Wed Oct 04, 2023 5:18 pm  

Now it's confirmed, where does he play? 13 over Smithies, or as a prop?

Personally, I wonder if we'll go with 3 props on the bench instead of a 2nd row option. That however would mean one of Nsemba or Walters missing out most weeks?

The numbers just don't seem to fit?

Re: Luke Thompson Confirmed : Wed Oct 04, 2023 5:19 pm  

100% Warrior wrote:

That is an outstanding signing. He is a world class front rower despite his injuries. For years we’ve lamented the lack of size, strength and depth of our pack. We can’t say that anymore. Some serious competition for places next season.

My only gripe is that the Mago re-signing seems utterly bizarre. If I didn’t see a spot for him before, I really, really don’t now.

I think there is still a place for Mago. I still think Smithies on his way to aus. Must having a rotation of a big lad in Mago, Thompson and say Ellis at 13 would punch holes in teams.

Re: Luke Thompson Confirmed : Wed Oct 04, 2023 5:22 pm  

100% Warrior wrote:

That is an outstanding signing. He is a world class front rower despite his injuries. For years we’ve lamented the lack of size, strength and depth of our pack. We can’t say that anymore. Some serious competition for places next season.

My only gripe is that the Mago re-signing seems utterly bizarre. If I didn’t see a spot for him before, I really, really don’t now.

A strange one the Mago deal I agree. Having cap space and a quota spot going in to 2024 would’ve seemed a wiser move IMO but we’ve gone with the option of having a 7th choice prop taking that space. I can only presume they fancy that point of difference he can bring compared to the other props. We’re in the fortunate position that he doesn’t play unless he is at the very top of his game. We may see that really kick his backside in to gear in the off season/pre season.

Re: Luke Thompson Confirmed : Wed Oct 04, 2023 5:31 pm  

Wigan Warriors are delighted to announce that Luke Thompson will join the Club on a four-year deal from 2024.
The 28-year old will make the move from Canterbury Bulldogs for whom he made 42 appearances since leaving St Helens in 2020.

Thompson won two Super League Grand Finals with St Helens in 2014 and 2019, and was the Harry Sunderland Trophy winner in the latter. He was also named in the Super League Dream Team in 2018 and 2019.

He has made seven appearances for England, including featuring in the Rugby League World Cup 2021 last year. He also made three appearances for Great Britain on the 2019 Lions tour.

Warriors Head Coach, Matt Peet said: “Luke is an outstanding acquisition for the club. He is a quality front-rower and brings a wealth of experience.

“We look forward to welcoming him and his family to the club.”

On signing, Luke Thompson said: “I can’t wait to be back playing in the Super League with crowds up and the squad strong.

“It’s a really exciting time to be joining Wigan. They’re playing great rugby and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”

..

Re: Luke Thompson Confirmed : Wed Oct 04, 2023 5:33 pm  

Maybe the coaches/management have a Plan and know what they're doing?

Re: Luke Thompson Confirmed : Wed Oct 04, 2023 5:35 pm  

Jukesays wrote:

Maybe the coaches/management have a Plan and know what they're doing?

Yeah quite possibly. Does it mean we can't chew the fat on it?