The Knights recently missed out on former Newcastle junior Jonah Pezet, who turned down a four-year, $2.5 million deal to re-sign with Melbourne.
The Raiders, who saw the front-rower as a long-term replacement for Josh Papalii, put forward an impressive pitch to lure Thompson back to the club at which he played as a junior.
A passionate Leo Thompson with Dane Gagai.Credit: Getty
While Thompson, whose girlfriend hails from Canberra, was excited by the prospect of linking with Raiders coach Ricky Stuart, he took less to play in Sydney. He also had strong interest from the Dolphins.
The 23-year-old will join premiership-winning Roosters back-rower Sitili Tupouniua, English Super League prop Tom Amone, Warriors winger Marcelo Montoya and Knights outside back Enari Tuala at the Bulldogs in 2025 after another impressive recruitment drive.
Thompson has informed the Knights of his desire to see out the final year of his contract in 2025 before departing in 2026.
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The Bulldogs have long been searching for an enforcer to lead their forward pack, but have resisted the urge to splash cash on the likes of Stefano Utoikamanu and Addin Fonua-Blake.
The club could further bolster its forward stocks with promising Gold Coast prop Josiah Pahulu.
The Bulldogs have tabled the front-rower a two-year deal from 2026. Pahulu has asked for permission to leave immediately following the club’s decision not to play him in the final game of the season – a match that would have triggered a $40,000 bonus clause in his contract for playing 20 games in his rookie season.
