The Mole exclusive column; Bulldogs emerge as favourites to sign Knights prop Leo Thompson

The Bulldogs are emerging as favourites to sign the most wanted forward in the NRL - Knights colossus Leo Thompson.

The Knights are desperate to retain Thompson, but the big front-rower seems destined to go to the marketplace on November 1.

Thompson is under contract to the Knights for next season but come the start of next month, rival clubs are preparing to swoop and offer him a deal for 2026 and beyond.

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The 24-year-old Kiwi Test forward is believed to be on a contract at the moment of around $350,000 - well below his market worth.

Leo Thompson. Getty

Thompson could easily command more than double that and the Bulldogs, who are looking for more size up front, have plenty of wiggle room in their salary cap.

New Knights recruitment boss Peter O'Sullivan knows the club needs to keep Thompson and will come up with an enticing package to keep him in Newcastle.

He has already had talks with Thompson and his manager but the rampaging front-rower is in no hurry to put pen to paper and will be inundated with offers if he waits.

AUSSIE CLUBS MONITORING SUPER LEAGUE COACH

At least two struggling NRL clubs are believed to be closely monitoring Wigan coach Matty Peet should things fail to improve in 2025.

Peet has made Wigan the most powerful club in Super League again, highlighted by last weekend's grand final win over Hull KR.

Wigan think so highly of Peet that they signed him to an unprecedented seven-year contract earlier this year - but contracts are made to be broken.

The club gambled on Peet, an untried coach, in 2022 and he has delivered seven trophies in three years.

His win rate stands at a stunning 77 per cent in that time - well ahead of the likes of Wayne Bennett, Craig Bellamy and even Ivan Cleary.

Matt Peet poses with the Super League trophy. Getty

CHOC'S LATEST MOVE

Anthony Mundine's sports management company MGM is spreading its wings to soccer and cricket.

Mundine and his partner Gosh Daher already have some of league's best young up-and-comers in their stable and now want to help Indigenous stars in other sports to ensure they plan for life after football.

They have signed up two ambassadors to help achieve the goal - former Socceroo Jade North and renowned cricket coach Alan Campbell.

Anthony Mundine is mentoring the next generation. Stan

"There are a lot of young players out there who need guidance and advice and I'm delighted to be able to assist 'Choc'," North told Wide World of Sports.

"I grew up without a dad and my mum worked three jobs to put food on the table so it wasn't easy for us.

"I know there are a lot of kids in the same position now and plenty sharks out there just waiting to take advantage of them.

"I've got a lot of contacts and a lot of experience so I think I am in a good position to offer help and advice."

SCHOOLBOY DUO LAND AT QUEENSLAND CLUBS

A stunning result in the Schoolboy international last Sunday, with the Junior Kumuls drawing 22-all with their Aussie counterparts.

The game was especially memorable for two rivals who are best buddies and school-mates off the field.

Zac Kumbamong and Mason Barber after a schoolboys game. Facebook

PNG prop Zac Kumbamong and Aussie utility back Mason Barber were standouts in the thrilling game in Port Moresby as the teams shared the spoils.

The pair are team-mates at renowned league nursery Keebra Park State High School on the Gold Coast and also teamed up for Tweed, who were Mal Meninga Cup State Champions.

But NRL clubs have swooped on the duo and their partnership will end in 2025.

Kumbamong has been snapped up by the Titans, while Barber will be heading up north to the Cowboys.

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