Leeds sign Toronto forward Bodene Thompson

Leeds have signed back-rower Bodene Thompson from Toronto for the rest of the 2020 season.

The 32-year-old has made more than 180 appearances for Gold Coast Titans, Wests Tigers, New Zealand Warriors, Leigh, Warrington and Toronto.

Thompson said: “I am delighted to be joining the Rhinos. I had a number of options but when I spoke to Brian McDermott, my head coach at Toronto, he told me there was only one club I should be joining.

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

“It has been a tough year so far with the coronavirus lockdown and then the 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.”

Leeds coach Richard Agar said: “Bodene is a quality forward who has a great deal of experience both in the NRL but also in Super League with Warrington Wolves and Toronto Wolfpack.

“This is a win-win situation for Bodene and ourselves; he is able to show what he can do whilst allowing us to strengthen our pack with a tough period of games coming up in a short period of time.”

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