Forward Luke Thompson was at his barnstorming best during the club’s round 19 clash with the Cronulla Sharks.
The prop scored a try, set up another, ran for 204 metres from 19 carries, had ten tackle busts, 68 post contact metres, two linebreaks, two offloads and 32 tackles from 63 minutes of work!
He was in absolutely everything for the Dogs, but the highlight of his game was when he busted through Cronulla’s defence, beating five players in a 40 metre run before sending Jake Averillo over for a try.
The effort from Thompson to set up Averillo had Fox Sports commentator Andrew Voss labelling the performance from the 26-year old as amazing:
“That is absolutely amazing. Luke Thompson, rampant, rampaging and almost ridiculous,” Andrew Voss said.
“What an incredible performance. I know he’s contributed well so far, but this is another level, this is best back-rower in the game stuff.”
Voss’ co-commentator Greg Alexander was in awe of what Thompson was able to provide for the Bulldogs.
“There’s not many backs in the game that can do what Luke Thompson just did in the middle of the field. Speed and power and footwork,” he said.
“He’s unique as a middle player because of his footwork and speed, his attributes are valuable these days in the middle of the field.”
Luke Thompson just destroying defenders
Thompson, arrived at Belmore midway through the 2020 season after a stellar career with St Helens in the English Super League.
In his first year in his new colours, the English International managed only 10 games due an interrupted season because of the COVID pandemic, as well as a two-week stint in hotel quarantine before being allowed to play.
After a year of disruption, the Englishman, with the benefit of a pre-season, has proven to be one of the club’s most consistent performers in 2021.
"He's been really good for us all year, Thommo," Trent Barrett said following the Sharks match.
"I think his leg speed and footwork around the ruck is exceptional. He pulled us back into that game.
"This is really his first full season in [the NRL] and he's going to benefit from that and he's going to benefit from another pre-season.”
Barrett also pointed out Thompson’s professionalism and attention to detail as a big part of why he is performing a such a high level.
"In terms of his professionalism he's a good role model for our young blokes in how he prepares and you get what you get out there because he looks after himself through the week.
"He trains hard, he's diligent with how he prepares for his game and that's what we need all our squad to be doing,” Barrett added.
Thompson catches the Sharks defence backpedaling
