Thompson stars as Indigenous outfit claims memorable win over World side

As it turns out, the St George Illawarra Dragons backrower’s also a more than handy leader on the field as well.

Thompson was super impressive in the Indigenous All Stars’ thumping 34-8 win over the World All Stars at Newcastle on Friday night.

The deceptively fleet-of-foot forward found space to help set up his side’s first four-pointer, breaking the World All Stars defence on the half-way line before racing up field, all in the opening five minutes of the clash.

Thompson found Jack Bird for the try, a moment that signaled the clear attacking intentions of the Indigenous outfit.

They ran in a further two tries to lead 16-0 at the quarter break.

Led by tries to David Mead and Nene McDonald, the World side fought back, but it wasn’t enough as Thompson and the Indigenous boys wrapped up a comfortable 26-point victory.

There won’t be an All Star game in 2018, with the World Cup ensuring rugby league doesn’t finish until December this year.

But the NRL has revealed the 2019 game will be staged again, with senior Indigenous figures, like Thompson, to have a say on the location and growth of the fixture.

“To see their appetite about how they want to grow this. It has to be owned by the players," NRL chief Todd Greenberg said.