Luke Thompson is facing an uncertain future in the NRL, with the off-contract Bulldogs prop struggling during his tenure at the club.
The 28-year-old is in his fourth season at Belmore, featuring on just 38 occasions due to injury and suspension issues, and remains without a home for next season.
Thompson was a standout in the Super League prior to his arrival and Canterbury splashed the cash on the front-rower, signing him on a long-term deal worth an estimated $800,000 per year.
After featuring for England in last year's World Cup, Thompson was primed for a breakout year in Australia, before an untimely foot injury ruled him out for an indefinite period.
MORE: Canterbury sign Toby Sexton until end of 2024 season
Phil Gould admits uncertainty over Luke Thompson's future
Speaking on the latest edition of 100% Footy, head of football Phil Gould admitted there were offers on the table for Thompson to return home to the UK or potentially join a rival NRL club for 2024.
“He’s a lovely bloke Luke Thompson and he’s a good footballer too," Gould said.
"He was signed long before I got there, but he’s had an unhappy time in that he’s only played 30-odd games in the four years. It’s still indefinite whether he will get back this year.
"Obviously we’ve got a new coach in Cameron Ciraldo that’s never really seen him play or worked with him.
"We want to get him back on the field, but Luke has had big offers to go home to England and there’s clubs out there looking for middle-forwards.
"We havent actually sat down to talk about his future – I’m actually sitting down tomorrow morning at 8.30 to have a coffee. He’s had no luck since he’s been out here… it will be interesting to see how he views it.
"I’m sure he just wants to get back out on the field and play football."
Canterbury Bulldogs off-contract list
| 2023 | Braidon Burns, Brandon Clarke, Corey Waddell, Declan Casey, Fa'amanu Brown, Jayden Okunbor, Josh Reynolds, Kyle Flanagan, Luke Thompson, Paul Alamoti, Samuel Hughes |
| 2024 | Chris Patolo, Ethan Quai-Ward, Franklin Pele, Hayze Perham, Jackson Topine, Jacob Kiraz, Jeral Skelton, Max King, Reece Hoffman, Tevita Pangai Junior |
| 2025 | Bronson Xerri, Josh Addo-Carr, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Ryan Sutton |
