Bulldogs recruit Leo Thompson has revealed why he snubbed the opportunity to be a one-club player, departing the Knights to join Cameron Ciraldo\u2019s squad ahead of the 2026 season.<\/p>\n
The Kiwi international signed a four-year deal until the end of the 2029 season after a conversation with Ciraldo \u2014 and a taste of the Dogs club culture.<\/p>\n
\u201cI held onto that (one-club mindset) for a long time, but they told me areas of my game that I could work on \u2014 and I\u2019m always keen to learn and get better,\u201d Thompson told 9News.<\/p>\n
Watch every game of the 2025 Pacific Championships LIVE on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1<\/a>.<\/p>\n WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n \u201cThey told me they could help me with some of my weaknesses.\u201d<\/p>\n Having signed on to join the Bulldogs, Thompson also wanted to experience what it was like to sit among the club\u2019s faithful.<\/p>\n He attended the club\u2019s semi-final clash against the Panthers, hoping to avoid the prying eyes of fans as he watched his new team lose 46-26.<\/p>\n \u201cI snuck into the stadium, turned up late and sat in the nosebleeds so nobody would recognise me,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cI experienced what it\u2019s like to sit in the crowd and hear how vocal they are, I love playing in front of a huge crowd. I love that atmosphere.\u201d<\/p>\n DOGS\u2019 COACHING SHIFT<\/p>\n Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould has confirmed Jason Taylor will shift out of his role as NRL assistant coach, taking over the club\u2019s NSW Cup side.<\/p>\n Adam O\u2019Brien is set to join Cameron Ciraldo\u2019s coaching staff after he was sacked by the Knights at the end of the 2025 season, which has forced a reshuffle.<\/p>\n Gould took to Twitter, confirming Taylor will be reserve grade head coach while Mick Potter has moved into the club\u2019s academy programs.<\/p>\n How Madge unlocked Reece Walsh | 00:51<\/p>\n FORMER NRL STAR\u2019S NEW GIG<\/p>\n Premiership-winning halfback Chad Townsend is set to return to the Sharks, taking over as SG Ball head coach after retiring at the end of the 2025 season.<\/p>\n Townsend won a title in Cronulla in 2016, joining the club\u2019s coaching ranks 10 years on after ending a stellar career which saw him play 268 NRL games.<\/p>\n 146 of those came for the Sharks, having made his first grade debut in 2011 before enjoying stints at the Warriors, Cowboys and Roosters.<\/p>\n \u201cIt feels great. It\u2019s been a little while since I\u2019ve put the black, white and blue on, but I grew up in the Shire and I followed the Sharks as a kid,\u201d Townsend said in a club statement.<\/p>\n MORE NRL NEWS<\/p>\n NOV 1 LIVE: All the latest NRL player movement as the November 1 deadline passes <\/a><\/p>\n ROUND 1 TEAMS: Broncos\u2019 Haas headache deepens; Dragons axing as Dogs sign trio<\/a><\/p>\n