St Helens forward Luke Thompson will leave the club upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the season.
Thompson will link up with NRL outfit Canterbury Bulldogs in 2021 after impressing in the last few years for the Saints, winning the Harry Sunderland trophy at Old Trafford last year as St Helens lifted the Super League trophy.
“We were informed last week that Luke has decided to join Canterbury Bulldogs next season,” said Saints Chairman Eamonn McManus.
“We accept and totally respect Luke’s decision and wish him nothing but success in his career and in his life. We are absolutely sure that he will be absolutely committed to the Club and to his teammates for the rest of this season.
“There’s no hiding from the fact that this is a bitter disappointment to all of us as Luke has been connected to the Club since the age of 11 and has developed into an absolute top player at 24 years old.
“If ever he decides to return to England and to Super League then there would be a red carpet waiting for him at St.Helens.”
