Luke Thompson talks getting back to his best, Dream Team and ‘awesome’ team-mate in stunning campaign

[josie andrews]

Luke Thompson has enjoyed a mighty debut campaign with Wigan Warriors to date, with just 160 minutes separating the Cherry and Whites from a Grand Slam.

The 29-year-old England international has established himself as a fan favourite at the Brick Community Stadium in his first season, returning to Super League following a four-year stint in Australia with Canterbury Bulldogs.

He has missed just three games all year under Matt Peet, with his no-nonsense performances earning him a spot in this year’s Dream Team - his third inclusion alongside 2018 and 2019 as a St Helens player - and admits his first year at the Warriors has exceeded his expectations.

“It’s obviously really nice to receive personal accolades, but I’m pretty grateful for the year to be honest,” Thompson said, who also lifted his first Challenge Cup in his career in June.

“I couldn’t have done it without the lads by the side of me. I feel like the lads have had a good year, so I’m grateful for my team-mates and all the staff.

“I had a bit of bad luck over the last couple of years through injuries, so getting back to being out there week-to-week and doing what I do best, I’ve really enjoyed the year and I feel like that’s shown on the field as well.

“If you said at the beginning of the year that I’d have won the World Club Challenge, League Leaders’ Shield, and the Challenge Cup, I’d probably have ripped your hand off for it.

“It probably has exceeded my expectations up to now.”

Thompson was one of four Wigan players to be named in this year’s Dream Team, alongside talented back-rower Junior Nsemba, who has also been nominated for Super League Young Player of the Year alongside Warrington’s Matty Nicholson and Saints’ George Delaney.

The 20-year-old academy product has enjoyed a stunning breakthrough campaign for Wigan, and was the youngest member in this year’s Dream Team.

“He has been awesome, I’m really pleased for him to get in the Dream Team,” Thompson added.

“He fully deserves it and he’s getting the recognition for all his hard work this year.

"He works hard, and is a great lad. I’m really pleased for him.”

https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... gn-4803645

[the pieman]

outstanding all season and certainly lived up to the expectation. He could be our pack leader for the next 3-4 seasons, with Havard, Dupree, Mago, Hill, Byrne and others, if we can keep the nucleus of them together, with the right promotions / recruits, and moving on when necessary