@kiwinrlpodcast: Born in Gisborne and raised in Hawke’s Bay, Leo Thompson grew up playing rugby union alongside his identical twin brother, Tyrone. A proud descendant of Ngāti Rangiwewehi and Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, Leo progressed through the Hurricanes system before making the brave decision to leave New Zealand and pursue rugby league in Australia. He began in the Canberra Raiders’ lower grades, worked on a demolition site while waiting for another opportunity and eventually earned his NRL debut with the Newcastle Knights in 2022. Leo represented the Māori All Stars before receiving his first Kiwis call-up in 2023 and becoming Kiwi #833. His impact went far beyond his work through the middle. In only his second Test, Leo was trusted to lead the Kiwis’ haka against Australia. “It’s huge for me. I didn’t tell my family I was doing it.” His nan and koro were among the family members watching from home, and Leo said his sisters would have had tears in their eyes. He went on to play in all three Tests during that campaign, producing his best performance in New Zealand’s historic 30–0 victory over Australia. Now with the Bulldogs and back in the Kiwis’ World Cup squad, Leo continues to represent his whānau, his culture and Aotearoa with unmistakable mana. Born in Gisborne. Proudly Māori. Kiwi #833. Sources: New Zealand Rugby League, NRL.com, 1News, Newcastle Knights and Aukaha News.

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