A seat in the nosebleeds at Accor Stadium and a conversation with coach Cameron Ciraldo were all Leo Thompson needed to convince him to become a Bulldog.
The star prop said he had no ambition to play for anyone other than the Knights in the NRL but found himself rejecting an extension deal to pursue a fresh start elsewhere.
There was large interest in Thompson’s talent when it became clear he was open to a move, with the Dogs winning the bidding war and locking him in on a four-year deal.
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Set to stay in Belmore until the end of 2029, it was the words of Ciraldo that got Thompson over the line in the end.
“My ambition was always to be a one club man,” Thompson told 9News Sydney.
Leo Thompson could not hide his excitement to join the Bulldogs. Â Nine
“I held onto that for a long time, but they (the Bulldogs staff) told me areas of my game that I could work on … and I’m always keen to learn and get better.
“They told me they could help me with some of my weaknesses.
Thompson said he liked his new club’s “dogs of war” mentality.
“You can see with this team that they have a big focus on their defence, which is something I like to pride myself on,” he said.
Thompson is hopeful he can stamp his mark on the Bulldogs squad and gain the support of the club’s faithful, who he has come across on several occasions.
Leo Thompson is tackled by his new Bulldogs teammate Max King. Â Getty
But the 25-year-old revealed he wanted to experience his new team’s supporters from a different perspective – and he did so during last year’s finals series.
Thompson purchased his own ticket to the Bulldogs’ semi-final clash against the Panthers, sitting alongside fans in the nosebleed section.
“I snuck into the stadium, turned up late and sat in the nosebleeds so nobody would recognise me,” the Kiwi international said.
“I experienced first-hand what it’s like to sit in the crowd and hear how vocal they are. I love playing in front of a huge crowd. I love the atmosphere.
“Those are things that make me excited to play.”