Luke Thompson on his time at Wigan Warriors so far, similarities with St Helens and whether another NRL move would tempt him – Total Rugby League

LUKE THOMPSON has admitted he is “pretty happy” with the way his form at Wigan Warriors has been so far in 2024.

Thompson, who came through the ranks at St Helens before moving to the Canterbury Bulldogs in the 2020 season, has signed a four-year deal with the Warriors ahead of the 2024 Super League season.

After constantly picking up injuries at the Bulldogs, Thompson is grateful to be injury-free and admits he’s in decent shape as it stands.

“I’m really enjoying it so far, I feel like I’ve been playing consistently,” Thompson said.

“I’m pretty happy with the way I’m going, I just want to build on my performances every week and I’m enjoying the rugby.

“I’m over the leg injury I had at Canterbury. I came back last year for four games where it was pretty sore, but I rested it in the off-season before getting a good pre-season under my belt.

“It hasn’t bothered me at all this year, so I’m happy about that. I have regained my match fitness.”

While with the Bulldogs, the Belmore club were struggling in the NRL, but he expressed similarities between Saints’ former club Wigan and the Bulldogs.

“It’s the professionalism, the two clubs (Wigan and St Helens) being big, it’s understood in both places. When you walk in the door, you know what’s expected of you.

“There are high standards, they are both hard-working teams and I see a lot of similarities in the work ethic of the players.

“While I was at Canterbury, the team struggled there for the three-and-a-half years I was there. We had a high turnover of players and continuity in the staff. We definitely trained hard there.

“It’s a different challenge in the NRL. There are a few more teams and it’s pretty ruthless. I certainly see similarities between Wigan, Saints and the NRL, which is why both Super League clubs have won the World Club Challenge against NRL teams.”

Does Thompson himself have aspirations of one day returning to the NRL?

“I’m not too sure, you never know what’s around the corner, but I’m certainly enjoying my time here at Wigan.

“I’m focused on my job here. You never know what will happen in the future, maybe if I go into coaching or the performance side.”

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