The Newcastle Knights have officially signed Tyrone Thompson, twin brother of current player Leo Thompson, for the 2025 NRL season. This will be Thompson’s debut contract in the NRL, marking his transition from rugby union, where he represented the Māori All Blacks and All Blacks XV.
At 24, Thompson joins the Knights from the Waikato Chiefs in Super Rugby and has also played for Wellington and Hawke’s Bay in the NPC. According to Peter O’Sullivan, Newcastle’s Head of Recruitment, Thompson is “an exceptionally talented and powerful player,” driven by a strong desire to follow his brother’s path into the NRL.
O’Sullivan recalled watching the brothers excel in their high school days, with Leo as a center and Tyrone as a forward. Thompson’s decision to step away from the All Blacks system and pursue a career in the NRL underscores his ambition, and he’s eager to start his journey as a Knight.