The St George Illawarra Dragons have made headlines with a truly remarkable signing, securing the services of 17-year-old prodigy Liam “The Tower” Thompson, a towering second-rower from western Sydney who stands at an extraordinary seven feet tall. Known for his commanding presence and a flawless tackle record in local competitions, Thompson is already being hailed as one of the most exciting young prospects in rugby league.
Thompson rose to fame just last month when a video of him dominating a local under-18s match went viral on social media. Playing for the Mount Druitt Maulers, he was captured in a breathtaking sequence where he flattened five opposition players in a single set. The clip quickly amassed thousands of views, sparking a frenzy among NRL scouts eager to secure his signature.
While several clubs expressed interest, it was the Dragons who moved decisively, ensuring Thompson would join their ranks. The move has been described as both strategic and bold, with fans and analysts praising the club’s foresight.
Head coach Shane Flanagan has wasted no time in setting lofty expectations for the youngster. In an exclusive interview, Flanagan drew a comparison to a club legend, Ben Hornby.
“He’s the next Ben Hornby,” Flanagan declared. “Same work ethic, same heart, just… a foot taller. His mentality is spot-on, and that’s exactly what we want at this club. Liam might be young, but he’s already showing leadership qualities you don’t often see at this age.”
The endorsement has only heightened excitement around the Dragons’ latest signing, with supporters buzzing about the club’s future.
Despite being only 17, Thompson has become a cult hero before even pulling on the Dragons jersey. Fans at training sessions have already begun chanting “Tower Power”, a nickname that has spread rapidly across social platforms. Some are even calling for the youngster to make his first-grade debut as soon as 2026.
The excitement reflects a hunger for fresh talent at the Dragons, with Thompson seen as a long-term investment who could become the face of the club in years to come.
For all the hype, Thompson remains remarkably grounded. Speaking to reporters after signing his contract, the teenager showed the humility that has endeared him to coaches and teammates alike.
“I just want to do my job, hit hard, and bring a trophy back to the Dragons,” Thompson said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and I’m ready to work hard. That’s all I can promise right now.”
His words reflect a maturity beyond his years, and many believe his down-to-earth nature will help him cope with the pressures of elite-level rugby league.
Thompson will officially begin training with the senior squad during the off-season, giving him invaluable experience alongside seasoned professionals. The club’s coaching staff are already drawing up a specialized development plan tailored to his size and skill set.
Strength and conditioning will be a key focus, with the goal of preparing his unique frame for the rigors of NRL football. While he is unlikely to feature in first-grade matches until at least 2026, there is optimism that he could be fast-tracked if his progress exceeds expectations.
The Dragons’ bold move to sign Thompson has not only excited their fanbase but also sent a message to rivals about their long-term ambitions. With a player of such rare physical attributes and natural talent in their ranks, the club believes they may have unearthed a generational star.
For now, Thompson remains a schoolboy with big dreams, but his journey is already capturing imaginations across the rugby league world. If his development continues as expected, the Dragons’ “Tower” may soon rise to dominate the NRL — and perhaps carve his name into club folklore alongside the legends he is already being compared to.
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