It has been more than nine years since Corey Thompson last put on a Brisbane Tigers jersey... 3510 days to be exact.
The Easts Mt Gravatt Eagles junior and Tigers player #1204 will lace up the boots for the club once again in 2023.
The 32-year old boasts a resume of 122 NRL games with the Canterbury Bulldogs (35), Wests Tigers (44) and Gold Coast Titans (43), as well as one international game for the Indigenous All Stars.
Speaking of his return to the Tigers' Hostplus Cup side, Thompson said “to have the opportunity to come back to such a great club that helped me become a professional rugby league player is going to be great".
“The club has a great mix of youth and experience filled with quality players and I’m excited to work hard and meet all the boys," he added.
Brisbane Tigers head coach Matt Church said the Thomson's experience and passion would benefit the Tigers tremendously.
“Corey’s football journey started as an Easts Mt Gravatt junior through to Cup with the Tigers in 2012 and the start of 2013. So, to attract him back is a lovely story for him, the club and a great bookend to his career," Church said.
“It’s safe to say that Corey had to earn everything that he achieved in his career, and he wants to use his experience to benefit our squad.
“Corey remains passionate about the game, the Tigers and will help mentor our younger players.
“Not only are we getting a great player, but we’re also getting a quality person. Corey’s energy is infectious, and I can’t wait to welcome him back in the Tigers colours and to our club."
Former Eels back Max Lehmann will join the Tigers on a two-year deal until the end of the 2024 season.
Lehmann, 22, comes to the Tigers after spending the past season playing NSW Cup with the Parramatta Eels.
Speaking of his move to the Tigers, the Manly Sea Eagles junior said “Tigers have such a rich culture and history and I want to be part of creating some new history for the club”.
“It’s the club’s 90-year anniversary in 2023 and I’m stoked to be a part of the team.
“The team building has the potential to really be a force in the competition in 2023."
Lehmann will join Solomona Faataape for Melbourne Storm’s pre-season as a part of the club’s feeder club allocation.
Hostplus Cup squad
Solomona Faataape (re-signed)
Baptiste Fabre (re-signed)
Jack Miers (re-signed)
Bacho Salam (re-signed)
Zak Taibi (re-signed)
Corey Thompson (signed)
Tony Thompson (re-signed)
Max Lehmann (signed)
