Thommo re-signs with Sharks
Veteran back-rower Lance Thompson has declared he wants to finish his
NRL career with
Cronulla after re-signing with the high-flying club for an additional
...
Source: http://www.smh.com.au/news/league/thommo-resigns-with-sharks/2006/06/27/1151174185433.html
Thommo re-signs with Sharks
June 27, 2006 - 2:23PM
AAP
Veteran back-rower Lance Thompson has declared he wants to finish his NRL career with Cronulla after re-signing with the high-flying club for an additional three years.
City Origin forward Thompson, 28, has been in career-best form this season and played a major part in Cronulla winning eight of its past nine matches to rise to equal second on the competition ladder.
His manager Khoder Nasser pushed for a four-year deal but a compromise was reached and Thompson will stay in the Sutherland Shire until at least the end of 2009.
Sharks chief executive Greg Pierce said he would gladly extend Thompson's contract again if the former St George Illawarra stalwart maintained his current form over the next three seasons.
"He's playing good footy," Pierce said today.
"He's been a good influence on the players in the club and instilled an air of confidence in them.
"I think he's easily got another three seasons left in him and he thinks he can play longer.
"If he's still playing like he is in three years time, then I'm happy for him to stay on."
Asked if he would like to end his career with Cronulla, Thompson said: "I would.
"I'm only 28 now and I'm feeling young again. The body feels great and the mind's fresh. I'll keep playing for as long as I can, until I'm ready to go."
Thompson said he was enjoying his football again after leaving St George Illawarra in acrimonious circumstances at the end of last season.
A fiercely loyal man, Thompson played 201 matches for the Dragons before they terminated his contract in bitter circumstances following his fallout with club officials.
"I've played some good footy in my career but I've never enjoyed myself more," said Thompson, who made his first grade debut as a 17-year-old in 1995.
"I'm enjoying the atmosphere and the team around me."
Often mentioned as a fringe candidate for NSW and Australia, it still grates that Thompson has been denied the opportunity of reaching higher representative honours than City Origin.
"You can be one of the form forwards and not get picked (so) it does get disappointing and disheartening," said Thompson, who praised NSW selectors for picking Sharks teammate Paul Gallen for tomorrow week's Origin decider in Melbourne.
"I know I can play that type of footy. It does get disappointing that you don't get selected for some reason or another.
"I'll just keeping playing well for Cronulla and show them what I'm all about."
Cronulla coach Stuart Raper also expressed his disappointment at NSW selectors continually snubbing Thompson.
"I'd like to think he was in the frame for Origin selection this year," Raper said.
"I think he's playing as good as he's ever played. I wouldn't swap him for too many back-rowers."
