Bulldogs recruit Leo Thompson has revealed why he snubbed the opportunity to be a one-club player, departing the Knights to join Cameron Ciraldo’s squad ahead of the 2026 season.
The Kiwi international signed a four-year deal until the end of the 2029 season after a conversation with Ciraldo — and a taste of the Dogs club culture.
“I held onto that (one-club mindset) for a long time, but they told me areas of my game that I could work on — and I’m always keen to learn and get better,” Thompson told 9News.
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“They told me they could help me with some of my weaknesses.”
Having signed on to join the Bulldogs, Thompson also wanted to experience what it was like to sit among the club’s faithful.
He attended the club’s semi-final clash against the Panthers, hoping to avoid the prying eyes of fans as he watched his new team lose 46-26.
“I snuck into the stadium, turned up late and sat in the nosebleeds so nobody would recognise me,” he said.
“I experienced what it’s like to sit in the crowd and hear how vocal they are, I love playing in front of a huge crowd. I love that atmosphere.”
DOGS’ COACHING SHIFT
Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould has confirmed Jason Taylor will shift out of his role as NRL assistant coach, taking over the club’s NSW Cup side.
Adam O’Brien is set to join Cameron Ciraldo’s coaching staff after he was sacked by the Knights at the end of the 2025 season, which has forced a reshuffle.
Gould took to Twitter, confirming Taylor will be reserve grade head coach while Mick Potter has moved into the club’s academy programs.
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FORMER NRL STAR’S NEW GIG
Premiership-winning halfback Chad Townsend is set to return to the Sharks, taking over as SG Ball head coach after retiring at the end of the 2025 season.
Townsend won a title in Cronulla in 2016, joining the club’s coaching ranks 10 years on after ending a stellar career which saw him play 268 NRL games.
146 of those came for the Sharks, having made his first grade debut in 2011 before enjoying stints at the Warriors, Cowboys and Roosters.
“It feels great. It’s been a little while since I’ve put the black, white and blue on, but I grew up in the Shire and I followed the Sharks as a kid,” Townsend said in a club statement.
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“It feels right. I’m very, very excited. I’m very appreciative of the opportunity; I just want to get involved and help these kids with their pathway, hopefully to the NRL.
“I’m very grateful for my time as a player, but now I just want to give back. I want to help guys in the same position that I was in a long time ago.
“For me to be involved in the club again, 10 years on from that special day (of winning the premiership), it means a lot to me and my family.
“I’ve already spoken to some of my teammates from that season about jumping in at training and helping out. I don’t want to drop too many names and put some pressure on them, but they’re very excited to give back, as I am.”
Fellow premiership-winner Andrew Fifita will coach the under 19s Tarsha Gale team.
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