Bulldogs Hit Hard as Thompson Ruled Out for 10 Weeks
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have suffered a significant setback just weeks before the NRL season kicks off, with their prized recruit, Leo Thompson, sidelined for an estimated 10 weeks due to a severe calf injury. This unfortunate news casts a shadow over the club’s pre-season preparations, particularly as they gear up for their historic trip to Las Vegas for the season opener.
Thompson, a high-profile signing who arrived from the Newcastle Knights on a substantial contract over the summer, sustained the injury last week while participating in camp with the Maori All Stars team. Initially, the issue was downplayed as “calf tightness,” leading to his late withdrawal from the match against the Indigenous All Stars. However, upon returning to Australia, medical assessments revealed the true extent of the damage: a grade three tear.
The prognosis means Thompson will not only miss the Bulldogs’ highly anticipated journey to Las Vegas for their opening round clash against the St George Illawarra Dragons but will also be absent for a significant portion of the initial two months of the competition. Fortunately for the club, the 25-year-old front-rower is not expected to require surgery, offering a glimmer of hope for his return later in the season.
The absence of their marquee forward leaves a considerable void in Canterbury’s formidable front-row stocks. Coach Cameron Ciraldo will need to explore his available options to fill Thompson’s boots. Several players are being considered as potential replacements, including Sam Hughes, Josh Curran, Harry Hayes, and Daniel Saluka-Fifita. Each of these players will be looking to seize the opportunity to impress and solidify their place in the starting lineup.
Injury Concerns Mount for the Bulldogs
Thompson’s unfortunate injury is not the only cause for concern within the Bulldogs camp. Another key player, five-eighth Matt Burton, is currently battling a hamstring issue that has cast doubt over his availability for the Las Vegas fixture. While the club remains optimistic that Burton will be fit to travel to the United States, the situation is being closely monitored. Scans following their trial match victory over the Newcastle Knights confirmed that Burton did not sustain a tear, which is a positive sign.
Should Burton be ruled out of the Nevada showdown, the responsibility of steering the team in the halves would likely fall to former Panthers and Dolphins playmaker Sean O’Sullivan. He is expected to partner with emerging talent Lachlan Galvin in the halves, forming a new-look combination for the season’s commencement. O’Sullivan is one of a number of new recruits looking to make their mark at the club, with former Manly hooker Gordon Chan Kum Tong also joining the ranks.
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Thompson, a seasoned campaigner with five Test caps for New Zealand, was earmarked as the Bulldogs’ most significant off-season acquisition. With 80 NRL appearances to his name since his debut in 2022, he was brought in with the specific objective of strengthening the team’s middle defence and providing a powerful presence in the forward pack. His leadership and impact were seen as crucial in the club’s ambitious quest to end their 22-season premiership drought. His extended absence will undoubtedly test the depth and resilience of the Bulldogs squad as they aim to start their campaign on a high note.
