Leeds Rhinos bolstered their squad midway through the 2020 Betfred Super League season with the signing of back row Bodene Thompson from Toronto Wolfpack for the remainder of the season.
The New Zealander, who was 32 when he arrived at Emerald Headingley, made the move after being recommended to the club by former Head Coach Brian McDermott. Originally from Tauranga in New Zealand, he made his NRL debut back in 2009 with the Gold Coast Titans. In a nine year career in the NRL, he made nearly 150 first grade appearances for the Titans, Wests Tigers and New Zealand Warriors. Whilst at the Tigers, he played alongside current Rhino Ava Seumanufagai and was a team mate of Konrad Hurrell at the Warriors. He moved to England in 2018 to join Leigh Centurions before a switch to Warrington Wolves later that season, where he played in the Grand Final at Old Trafford. He helped Toronto Wolfpack to promotion to Super League in 2019, featuring in 21 games for the Canadian side.
The second-rower was part of the New Zealand Kiwis’ 2014 Four Nations winning squad but did not feature in a Test. However, he did play for New Zealand Maori in 2010 when they drew 18-18 with England, scoring the first try in the second half come back.
He made his debut on 16th August 2020 against Wigan Warriors at the Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens.