The rugby league world is in shock following reports former Dragons and Sharks back-rower Lance Thompson has been found dead at his home this morning.
Thompsom, who was just 40, played 239 first-grade games from 1995-2008 and only recently appeared on Andrew Voss’ show The Fan to recount his admirable career.
Tragically, rugby league legend Lance Thompson has passed away at age 40. #9News pic.twitter.com/GYfteXIAW2
— Nine News Australia (@9NewsAUS) August 23, 2018
The red-headed forward was only 17 and still at high school when he broke into St George’s first-grade line-up, coming off the bench four times late in the 1995 season. A two-time Australian Schoolboys rep, he scored his first points in the top flight at Mount Smart Stadium, booting a goal in the Dragons’ 47-14 demolition of the Auckland Warriors in his third outing.
Thompson forged a permanent spot in the Saints’ squad in 1996 and played a prominent role in their charge to that year’s grand final, a 20-8 loss to Manly, joining a select group of players to appear in a decider at just 18 years of age.
The Hurstville United junior endured grand final heartbreak again in 1999 as St George Illawarra went down to Melbourne 20-18.
Compact but lionhearted, Thompson made the first of five appearances for City Origin in 2001 and brought up 200 appearances in the Red V in 2005, but the crowd favourite had a bitter split with the Dragons at the end of that campaign.
He was the last player from St George as a standalone club to turn out for the St George Illawarra joint venture, with only former Steelers Trent Barrett and Shaun Timmins outlasting his tenure at the club of the 1999 originals.
Thompson linked with Cronulla and played 38 games for the club, hanging up the boots early in the 2008 season due to ongoing knee problems.
Thompson played 13 matches against the Warriors during his career for an impressive 9-4 record, including a try in a 2002 victory.
LANCE THOMPSON – CAREER SUMMARY
St George (1995-98): 69 games – 4 tries, 9 goals (34 points)
St George Illawarra (1999-2005): 132 games – 20 tries, 8 goals (96 points)
Cronullla (2006-08): 38 games – 5 tries, 1 goal (22 points)
FIRST GRADE TOTAL: 239 games – 29 tries, 18 goals (152 points)
City Origin (2001-07): 5 matches – 0 points
Moley has a tear in his eye…
RIP Lance Thompson.— The Mole (@9_Moley) August 23, 2018
I am absolutely numb at the news of Lance Thompson passing away.If you watched Lance on The Fan this year,you would appreciate what a genuine & hard working man he was. Shattered for his family.He proved you dont need to have won GF's or played for your country to be a champion.
— Andrew Voss (@AndrewVossy) August 23, 2018
I sincerely hope Lance knew how many rugby league fans admired and respected him for what he achieved on and off the field in his career. So sad that this love could not sustain him. My heart breaks for his family. Rest in Peace. #LanceThompson pic.twitter.com/aQP9bWamJZ
— Andrew Voss (@AndrewVossy) August 23, 2018
Very sad to hear the passing of Lance Thompson overnight, one of my childhood favourites and a local hero who I looked up to and was lucky enough to get to know over the years, champion bloke and player. Rest In Peace Mate! pic.twitter.com/0K5yWQK3g7
— Keith Galloway (@kgalloway85) August 23, 2018
Played 239 first grade matches from 1995-2008 as a strong, hard running, hard working back rower and played 5 matches for City. Gone way too soon at the age of 40. RIP Lance Thompson. pic.twitter.com/pEqVCMmcSX
— That's Rugby League (@RugbyLeagueGold) August 23, 2018
My thoughts go out to Lance Thompson’s family and friends. This is awful. A genuinely good guy and a wholehearted, tough opponent.
RIP Lance— Martin Lang (@Martin_Lang11) August 23, 2018
So sad. I have a fantastic memory of Lance refereeing a team of school girls I coached. The game was part of a 7 a side tournament, the Lance Thompson Cup. He was so funny and fantastic at teaching the girls more about the game. Such a tragedy!
— Julie Bernhardt (@julieb71_julie) August 23, 2018
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