Thompson to captain the Indigenous All Stars

FOUR months ago Joel Thompson was found unconscious and airlifted to hospital after a nasty fall left the NRL forward fearing for his life.

Now the Manly secondrower is set for one of the biggest honours of his rugby league career after being announced as skipper of the Indigenous All Stars.

Thompson will lead an outfit that includes the late additions of uncapped NRL players Zac Saddler and Jamayne Taunoa-Brown.

The Maori side confirmed Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Adam Blair as co-captains for the annual clash on the Gold Coast.

Thompson’s appointment comes after a harrowing accident following a BBQ that resulted in him rolling down a hill and hitting his head on rocks. It prompted the veteran of 221 NRL games to abstain from alcohol for a year.

“I had an arrogant opinion of being invincible and this accident has changed me forever,” Thompson wrote on social media at the time.

“I’ve made bad decisions which have impacted my family and I and it’s mostly been when I’ve been drinking.

“I’ve changed so much over the last few years and to continue to grow I realise I need to give up alcohol. My first goal is 12 months.”

The 31-year-old Thompson is widely regarded as one of the league’s most respected figures, highlighted by his tireless work in the community.

He was also among the leading voices among the indigenous players that led to the NRL abandoning the national anthem at the All Stars game.

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