Tyrone Thompson, the identical twin brother of current Knights front-rower Leo Thompson, has officially signed with the Newcastle Knights for the 2025 NRL season.
Thompson, who achieved international honors for the Maori All Blacks and All Blacks XV in the 15-man code, will join the club’s development list in what will be his first NRL contract.
The 24-year-old, who has played for Wellington and Hawke’s Bay in the NPC tournament and the Waikato Chiefs in the Super Rugby league, will join the Knights.
According to Newcastle Knights Head of Recruitment Peter O’Sullivan, “Tyrone is a very gifted player with a burning desire to follow in his brothers’ footsteps and play in the NRL.”
After spending several years in top junior pathway teams and programs, he has demonstrated himself to be a very skilled and formidable rugby player, playing for the Māori All Blacks and All Blacks XV on an international level.
“I still clearly recall seeing the brothers play for Napier Boys High. Tyrone was an athletic forward and Leo was a center; they were both exceptional athletes who made an impression.
“His willingness to follow Leo into the NRL is demonstrated by his willingness to leave the All-Blacks system, where he feels at ease, and try his hand at the NRLL, and he can’t wait to begin that journey to becoming a Knight.”