Newcastle prop Leo Thompson will join Canterbury from 2026 in a major signing coup for the resurgent NRL side.
The most sought-after prop on the open market inked a four-year deal on Friday after the Bulldogs had firmed as the front-runners for his signature in recent days.
Off contract after 2025, the New Zealand international told reporters in November he was hopeful of finalising his future before round one, with Canberra also vying for his signature.
Thompson's impending arrival is as a big boost for Canterbury, who lacked a forward pack enforcer in their comeback 2024 season, instead building success around a group of lightweight utilities.
The club had made plays to sign Stefano Utoikamanu and Terrell May to fill that role for 2025 before the pair respectively signed for Melbourne and Wests Tigers instead.
The Bulldogs have finally secured their man in Thompson, rated one of the best up-and-coming middle forwards in the NRL.
The 24-year-old as shown enormous potential across 64 games and three seasons with Newcastle.
He was a starting prop in all 23 of his appearances in 2024 as the Knights locked in a fourth finals berth in five seasons.
He will play one final campaign with the Knights, who have lured his twin brother Tyrone from Super Rugby side the Chiefs for 2025.
The decision to farewell Thompson is set to allow the Knights to prioritise other off-contract talent, with Adam Elliott, Mat Croker, Jayden Brailey and Jack Hetherington among regular first-graders without deals beyond this season.
