In his second season for Wests Tigers, Bodene Thompson experienced somewhat of a breakout year as he emerged as one of the Club’s most damaging forwards on the right edge. Long-term injuries at the start of the year to Curtis Sironen and Dene Halatau — along with the retirement of Liam Fulton mid-way through the year — ensured that Thompson experienced plenty of game time, and the New Zealand-born forward made sure he took full advantage of that chance with a number of impressive performances.
Thompson’s great versatility and strong edge running close to the line made him a vital weapon in attack, with the forward crossing for six tries in his 21 games.
The likeable 26-year-old was rewarded at the end of the year with his first career selection in the New Zealand Kiwis train-on squad for the 2014 Four Nations Tournament, and looms as a top player to watch for in season 2015.
2014 Facts & Figures
Games |
Tries |
Assists |
Points |
Metres |
Tackles |
21 |
6 |
0 |
24 |
1812 |
637 |
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Top Try — Round 3 vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs
After Souths had crossed early with a strong-running second rower, Wests Tigers responded with one of their own as Luke Brooks and Thompson combined for a lovely four-pointer on the right edge. Holding the ball up next to a decoy runner, Brooks fed the hard-running Thompson from 10m out, who swerved away to crash over untouched.
Best Match — Round 13 vs. Newcastle Knights
After losing a number of players due to injury, Thompson was forced to spent time on the centres and even the wing in certain stages as Wests Tigers hung on gallantly to defeat the Newcastle Knights 23-20 at Hunter Stadium. The Tauranga City junior played the full 80 minutes — a lot of that out of position — and chalked up 123 metres off 12 hit-ups, two offloads and 37 tackles in what was, personally, an error-free afternoon.
Magic Moment — Round 26 vs. Cronulla Sharks
Having already chalked up two doubles in his short career, Thompson registered his first double for Wests Tigers as the hosts came from behind to defeat the Cronulla Sharks in the final game of the season. Thompson was instrumental in making that comeback happen — crossing for two tries in the second half — and finished the year with a reward befitting for his great effort and determination all season.
