How Brian McDermott convinced Bodene Thompson to sign for Leeds Rhinos

The New Zealander back-row has made the switch for the remainder of the season, subject to visa clearance this week.

Thompson, 32, is the latest player to leave troubled Toronto after they revealed they were unable to complete their fixtures due to coronavirus issues.

McDermott, who won four Grand Finals with Leeds before being sacked in 2018, gave Rhinos a ringing endorsement.

“I’d a number of options but Brian McDermott, my Toronto coach, told me there was only one club I should be joining,” said Thompson.

“I know quite a few of the lads here already and am looking forward to getting back on the field.

“It’s been a tough year so far with the coronavirus lockdown and then uncertainty over Toronto’s future and I am just pleased to have this season sorted now.

“I could have just sat 2020 out and waited for next season but that is not the sort of character I am. I wanted to get back out on the field as soon as possible and I would like to thank Leeds Rhinos for giving me that opportunity.”

Thompson made his NRL debut in 2009 and made almost 150 first-grade appearances with Gold Coast Titans, Wests Tigers and New Zealand Warriors.

He moved to England with Leigh Centurions in 2018 but soon joined Warrington Wolves playing in the Grand Final that year before joining Toronto.

Rhinos director of rugby Kevin Sinfield said: “We went into this season with our number 20 vacant as we felt we had enough strength in our forward pack, in particular, to get through the early rounds.

“We lost James Donaldson for six weeks in the first game back and now Alex Mellor will be out for a similar period plus Stevie Ward and Dom Crosby are both sidelined for an indefinite period which changed the situation.

“We spoke with our senior players last week, when the possibility of signing Bodene came about, and they are fully behind the decision.”

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