Thompson opts to stay with Raiders

Canberra rookie Joel Thompson has opted to stay with the Raiders by signing a two year extension to his current deal.

Originally contracted to the end of next year, he will now remain with the club until the end of 2013.

Thompson, 22, has enjoyed a stellar season this year at one time leading the club’s list of leading try scorers before succumbing to a groin injury.

Thompson, who was a member of the Raiders’ premiership-winning Toyota Cup squad in 2008, says he is delighted to be re-signing with theclub.

“We’ve got a great bunch of blokes here at the club and we all love playing together and there’s a feeling we can have plenty of success if we all stay together,” Thompson said.

“I also have my mum living in Queanbeyan and plenty of other family around so I didn’t really want to go anywhere.”

Thompson’s decision was greeted with equal delight by coach David Furner.

“Joel was one of our best players before he was injured this year and he’s shown his versatility by being able to play centre or in the back row,” Furner said.

“We’ve got a proud history of developing junior talent at the Raiders and Joel is one of a number NRL players we have that have come through the under 20’s.”