Kiwi prop Leo Thompson is set to earn the biggest pay day of his career after telling Newcastle he would not be re-signing with the club after next season,
The hard-hitting front-rower has been one of the most improved players in the NRL over the past couple of seasons and has represented New Zealand in five matches.
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With former NSW prop Daniel Saifiti now at the Dolphins, the signing of Thompson was a priority for the Knights but he has told club officials that he will be at another club in 2026.
His next destination is likely to be Canberra, who have weighed in with a lucrative offer, reportedly at $2.4 million over three years while Canterbury are also on the lookout for a spearhead for their pack and are also in contention for Thompson’s signature.
Meanwhile, Cameron McInnes is poised to continue leading Cronulla in their NRL premiership window after signing a one-year contract extension.
The Sharks captain will remain with the club until at least the end of 2026, by which time he will be 32.
“I was lucky enough to sign here for four years in 2021 and to be able to extend here is all I wanted to do. I’m really glad the club are happy to have me,” the lock said.
“The club’s in such a secure place. It’s a high-performing environment and that’s what I want to be a part of.”
McInnes’ new deal continues an active off-season for the Sharks, who face a battle to retain their long list of off-contract players and maintain roster stability as their premiership window continues.
Braydon Trindall, Briton Nikora, Oregon Kaufusi and Liam Ison have all inked new deals since the beginning of November.
But winger Ronaldo Mulitalo, fullback Will Kennedy and forwards Tom Hazelton and Teig Wilton are all highly-prized players without contracts for 2026.
The club is also resigned to farewelling breakout utility Daniel Atkinson to St George Illawarra at the end of 2025.
Known as one of the NRL’s toughest players, McInnes enjoyed a strong 2024 season, making his State of Origin debut for NSW in the game one loss to Queensland.
He averaged 40 tackles per match at club level and helped the Sharks break a seven-game finals losing streak with their semi-final defeat of North Queensland.
Cronulla were eliminated from the finals by eventual premiers Penrith a week later.
with AAP
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