After much discussion and speculation in recent weeks, Saints have confirmed that Luke Thompson will leave the club with immediate effect, for an undisclosed sum, to NRL club Canterbury Bulldogs.

St Helens Chairman Eamonn McManus said on the matter:

“St. Helens had been placed in a difficult position as Luke Thompson had opted not to participate in our club wide squad and staff pay reduction arrangement for the 2020 season, this being necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic and its significant commercial consequences.

“It was therefore agreed to be in everyone’s best interests for the transfer to take place now rather than at the end of the season as originally planned.”

Thompson spent 13 years with the club, having progressed through the academy system before making his first team debut in 2013.