Luke Thompson’s ‘outstanding stint’ hailed by Wigan Warriors team-mate following mighty Grand Final effort

[josie andrews]

Wigan Warriors prop forward Luke Thompson played almost the full 80 minutes of this year’s physical Super League Grand Final battle against Hull KR.

The England international will go down as one of the signings of the 2024 season across the whole competition after a stellar first campaign with the Cherry and Whites, capped off by an exceptional stint in the pack for the Warriors in their 9-2 Old Trafford victory over the Robins.

Thompson played a mighty 66 minutes until his first interchange, including a stint in the back-row for Junior Nsemba, who later passed a head injury assessment. The prop then had a three minute break on the sidelines before returning to help complete the job against Willie Peters’ side.

A part of Wigan’s leadership group, winger Liam Marshall was full of praise for his no-nonsense team-mate following the bruising 80 minute encounter - believing Thompson’s efforts could have seen him in the mix for the inaugural Rob Burrow Award, which was won by Bevan French after his dazzling display.

Asked what Thompson has brought to the club in his first season, the 28-year-old prolific try-scorer replied: “His work ethic and his professionalism. Anyone who has been into our facility or knows about him, he’s very meticulous with how he works.

“He’s a credit to himself with what he does every single day.

“He turns up and he’s relentless and that pays back on the field. He played in the middle and back-row, came off for a few minutes and it’s an outstanding stint.

“He probably could have been up there for man of the match, but obviously Bevan’s flair just nicked it.”

Thompson made 17 carries for 171 metres across his performance, the third-most for the Warriors behind Liam Marshall (184) and Bevan French (172), according to Opta.

“It’s amazing when you’ve got a player like that who can do nearly 80 minutes in the biggest game of the year,” Marshall added.

“He didn’t look fazed at one point, he’s not got his hands on his knees, he's just turning up again and again for his mates.”

https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... rt-4821771

[the pieman]

outstanding performance and the reason why i had £5 on him for Man of the match @33/1

it just had the feeling when the rain came down it was going to be a game for the forwards.
Unfortunately Robbie Paul called him as MoM in his post match review, but that dont count

[Exiled Wiganer]

One of the key factors in making us favourites in the last game of the season is that we can play Thompson and Havard for as long as possible. They are fantastic players, and can play long minutes in a one off. We are so lucky to have them. Thanks, Mr Danson!

[josie andrews]

outstanding performance and the reason why i had £5 on him for Man of the match @33/1

it just had the feeling when the rain came down it was going to be a game for the forwards.
Unfortunately Robbie Paul called him as MoM in his post match review, but that dont count

I backed Bevan for 1st try & MoM.

I put bets on last year to win the CC, LLS & GF (I was giddy & didn’t realise I’d backed them 4 times at 2/1 on Sky Bet.

On William Hill, I did the same last year & made a double be of CC/GF combined at 9/1

[the pieman]

outstanding performance and the reason why i had £5 on him for Man of the match @33/1

it just had the feeling when the rain came down it was going to be a game for the forwards.
Unfortunately Robbie Paul called him as MoM in his post match review, but that dont count

I backed Bevan for 1st try & MoM.

I put bets on last year to win the CC, LLS & GF (I was giddy & didn’t realise I’d backed them 4 times at 2/1 on Sky Bet.

On William Hill, I did the same last year & made a double be of CC/GF combined at 9/1

Nice

what did you get for Bevan 1st try and MoM. Sure i saw it as a boosted bet at 50/1 on bet fred, but wouldnt stake my life on it

[josie andrews]

outstanding performance and the reason why i had £5 on him for Man of the match @33/1

it just had the feeling when the rain came down it was going to be a game for the forwards.
Unfortunately Robbie Paul called him as MoM in his post match review, but that dont count

I backed Bevan for 1st try & MoM.

I put bets on last year to win the CC, LLS & GF (I was giddy & didn’t realise I’d backed them 4 times at 2/1 on Sky Bet.

On William Hill, I did the same last year & made a double be of CC/GF combined at 9/1

Nice

what did you get for Bevan 1st try and MoM. Sure i saw it as a boosted bet at 50/1 on bet fred, but wouldnt stake my life on it

I put a tenner on at 5/1 for 1st try & a tenner on him for MoM at 11/4 on Sky Bet

I’ve backed us already for CC for 2025 a tenner at 11/4 can’t find any more bets just yet!

[the pieman]

I backed Bevan for 1st try & MoM.

I put bets on last year to win the CC, LLS & GF (I was giddy & didn’t realise I’d backed them 4 times at 2/1 on Sky Bet.

On William Hill, I did the same last year & made a double be of CC/GF combined at 9/1

Nice

what did you get for Bevan 1st try and MoM. Sure i saw it as a boosted bet at 50/1 on bet fred, but wouldnt stake my life on it

I put a tenner on at 5/1 for 1st try & a tenner on him for MoM at 11/4 on Sky Bet

I’ve backed us already for CC for 2025 a tenner at 11/4 can’t find any more bets just yet!

right - so two singles

the one i saw was a double (i think) but i dont normally place bets other than the grand national

my daughter normally backs Jake Wardle for 1st try and had a couple of successes this year but not on Saturday

[josie andrews]

Luke Thompson on mega Grand Final display: ‘I’d stay out there until tomorrow if that’s what’s needed’

Luke Thompson produced an awe-inspiring 76 minute display in the pack to help Wigan Warriors retain their Super League title against Hull KR and complete a historic Grand Slam.

The in-form international made the third-most metres for a Wigan player on the famous Old Trafford turf, with 171 from 17 carries. That also included 76 post-contact metres, only beaten by Ryan Hall’s likewise mighty effort of 103.

Thompson, 29, was also required to play in the back-row while Junior Nsemba underwent a head injury assessment in the first half, with the Young Super League Player of the Year later returning to the action after passing protocols.

Wigan were crowned champions with a hard-fought 9-2 victory at the Theatre of Dreams, with superstar Bevan French scoring the only try of the physical contest.

“In these big games, you’ve got to keep turning up. I was just focussed on doing my job,” Thompson said post-match.

“We were singing a song in the changing room and I was standing next to Matt Peet and I wasn’t swaying much and he said, ‘Bloody hell, there’s not much movement in the hips.’

"So I said, ‘If you took me off a bit earlier I might have had a bit more movement in them!’.

But listen, if he wants me to stay out there, I’d stay out there until tomorrow if that’s what’s needed to get the job done.

“It was a tough game. But I feel like I sort of thrive in these sorts of games, I back my fitness and that’s something I pride myself on.

“I’m really proud of all the lads and all the staff. It’s been a special season.”

The no-nonsense forward quickly became a fan favourite at the Brick Community Stadium after signing a four-year deal to return to England from the NRL, and has played a huge part in the club’s success to complete a historic Grand Slam.

A failed head injury assessment from the opening round at Castleford Tigers saw him miss the World Club Challenge battle against Penrith Panthers, while he featured in the 18-8 Challenge Cup Final victory over Warrington Wolves at Wembley.

He played 25 games across the regular Super League season - starting in the front-row with every appearance - as Wigan won back-to-back League Leaders’ Shields for the first time.

Thompson admits he had offers to remain in Australia, having played four seasons with Canterbury Bulldogs, but insists he made the right decision in joining Matt Peet’s Cherry and Whites.

“I’ve got to pinch myself really,” said Thompson, who was voted third for Players’ Player of the Year at Wigan’s for 2024.

“I’m really grateful that the club gave me the opportunity. I was out in the NRL and I had a tough season with injury and only played four games (in 2023). I didn’t know where I wanted to go in my career; stick it out there or come home.

“I could have stayed out there (in Australia), but I’m glad I made the choice to come back to Wigan.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute this year and hopefully this is only just the start."

https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... ed-4824533

[jobo]

Just watched the game again.
I swear, Luke Thompson appeared to grow in energy the longer the match went on.
His performance was machine like.

Ethan Havard didn't have a bad game either.

[Blackpool_Pie]

100% my motm. Didn't stop all game bar his 5 minute stint on the sideline. Outstanding effort which has been on show all season.