LUKE’S EXIT A STUNNER FOR SAINTS

ST HELENS officials have been left reeling by the manner of star prop Luke Thompson’s mid-season exit to NRL side Canterbury Bulldogs.

The England and Great Britain front-rower had agreed to move Down Under on a three-year deal from the start of 2021. But yesterday Saints confirmed his immediate departure for an undisclosed fee.

Chairman Eamonn McManus revealed Thompson rejected a pay cut accepted by the rest of the squad following the coronavirus lockdown.

Club officials believe it put them in an impossible situation where they could not retain the 25-year-old (above) on full pay when all his teammates had accepted lower wages.

Mirror Sport also understands there was a failed attempt by the

Bulldogs to take Thompson earlier this year.

Coach Kristian Woolf (right) is now without one of his key men as Saints look to defend their 2019 title once the Super League season is able to resume.

Thompson has become one of the most sought-after props at home and abroad in recent years, culminating in a scramble for his signature last year.

He lifted the Harry Sunderland Trophy as man of the match in last year’s Grand Final win over Salford Red Devils, clocking up 27 carries, 188 metres, 42 tackles and three tackle busts in one 72-minute spell.

He is set to fly to Australia next week and link up with a Bulldogs side that has struggled in the opening rounds of the NRL, winning just one of their four matches so far.

In an Instagram statement, Thompson said: “The 2020 season was always about me fulfilling my contract and completing the season at Saints and going out on a high.

“Unfortunately due to the current pandemic we have all been without rugby for months with no sign at present of it returning which has left our club and sport facing financial difficulties.

“When the opportunity arose for me to switch to the NRL earlier than planned, a move that would make a significant financial contribution to our club then I agreed.”