St Helens
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The 32-year-old has secured a release from the final year of his contract with Manly Sea Eagles to allow him to move on to the Super League champions, where he will directly replace Zeb Taia
Saints coach Kristian Woolf said: « Joel is a player I have known in the NRL for a long time
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« He had a solid career with several clubs in the NRL and he showed how tough he is.
« Joel is a physical defensive player but has a speed and skill set that will suit the game here in the Super League and he is well respected »
Thompson began his NRL career in 2008, initially with Manly, and then played for Canberra and St George Illawarra before joining the Sea Eagles in 2018
Thompson said: « First I want to thank everyone at Manly for everything they have done for me and I wish them well in the future.
« Joining the power of a club with the proud history of St Helens is something that fascinates me
« I am looking forward to the challenge of earning the respect of my new club and my fans
« This is a great opportunity for me, my wife and my two daughters to come halfway around the world
« We beat them and I loved the vibe and thought I wanted to experience more of that in the Super League and there is no better club to do that than St Helens »
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Joel Thompson, National Rugby League, St Helens RFC, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, Super League, St George Illawarra Dragons, Canberra Raiders
World News – UK – Joel Thompson joins St Helens: Super League champions sign NRL forward for two-year contract
