Former Canberra Raiders and St George Illawarra NRL player Joel Thompson signs with Rugby League Gold Coast’s Currumbin

Second-rower Joel Thompson is the latest former NRL star to join the Rugby League Gold Coast competition, joining his local club after moving to Palm Beach.

The seven time Indigenous All-Star player said he had the itch to play again.

“Its funny, I ran into Matt (Geyer) a few times while on a walk and we got chatting and I told him I wanted to play again,” Thompson said.

“Then I decided to come down to training and try it out.

“I have only heard wonderful things about Currumbin and living in the area, I thought I would be foolish to not go there.

“They have been so welcoming already and it has been a lot of fun just to have a run around.

“What Matt has done for that club already and the way he wants to go about it is just another reason why I went down to the club.”

Picked up by the Canberra Raiders in 2008, Thompson played 89 games before moving to St George Illawarra in 2014 where he played a further 86 games.

He would eventually move to Manly Sea Eagles in 2018, playing 60 games before finishing off with St Helens in 2021, representing them for 19 games.

“The one thing I wish I had have told myself back then was to make sure I listen more to the older guys of the game,” Thompson said.

“And I hope I can help the younger guys who are coming through the Eagles those types of life lessons.

“Outside of league I do a lot of work with youth centres and helping them find jobs and career paths.

“I have told Matt and the club that I will be on the road a fair bit.

“But they know I want to play footy and I think it will be good for my family to see me playing again.”

The Currumbin Eagles A grade were knocked out in the preliminary final last year by the Tugun Seahawks.

With Thompson being added to the line up, coach Matt Geyer said he will definitely help the club moving forward.

“He has been an incredible player and that shows by his career,” Geyer said.

“He has come in already and pushed wingers to the corners while other players just kind of stand there.

“He makes training go up a level even though we are in the light time of pre-season.

“Incredible to have someone like Joel at the club, he has such exceptional knowledge of the game.

“I know I will look to get his guidance and listen to what he has to say if he sees something I don’t.”

Originally published as Former Canberra Raiders and St George Illawarra NRL player Joel Thompson signs with Rugby League Gold Coast’s Currumbin