Dynamic young-gun Corey Thompson aims to take out some silverware before heading to the Super League next season, whether that be in the VB NSW Cup or the NRL.
After playing 25 NRL games in 2014, he only managed 10 this year – and consequently signed a two-year contract with the Widnes Vikings in a bid to play full-time first grade, and better himself as a fullback and player.
The Canterbury Bulldogs are still in the title race for both the VB NSW Cup and the NRL, and Thompson is hungry for a shot at a premiership before he ventures to England.
“The NSW Cup boys, they’ve put in all year and trained hard and we deserve to be where we are,” said Thompson.
“If we make a grand final here, then it’s going to be awesome to play in a grand final with the Cup boys. And if I get another call-up back in first grade it's going to be even better so I just want to finish the year strong wherever I am. I’ve been up and down all year, but I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve learned a lot since playing last year and playing again this year, so wherever I am I just like to play my best.”
The vision for Thompson is to head over to the Vikings to play fullback permanently in their first grade team, and improve as a player.
He also has an eye on returning to the NRL in the future.
“I could’ve stayed at the Bulldogs and just kept doing what I was doing. But I wanted to be better, play full-time first grade over in England and see how that goes - then I could come back as a better player,” said Thompson.
“I want to go over there and show I’m a first grade fullback and hopefully go really good over there.”
Thompson has been named at fullback to take on the Wyong Roos in this Sunday in the first VB NSW Cup Preliminary Final at Leichhardt Oval.
The NSWRL Grand Final day, held at Pirtek Stadium on Sunday, September 27, is the biggest day on the VB NSW Cup, Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield calendars and the only live rugby league in Sydney that weekend – and adult tickets are just $10, with kids under 12 free! With face painting, live music and a carnival-like atmosphere, it’s the perfect day out for young and old. Get your tickets here.
