Thompson, Dragons part ways

The recent ongoing saga of Lance Thompson’s relationships with the Dragons has finally come to an end with both parties agreeing to terminate the remaining year of the veteran forward’s contract on mutually agreeable terms.

The long-serving St George and St George Illawarra forward had become the heart and soul of the Dragons for many years, but after 11 workman-like years with the club, his time at his self-proclaimed beloved club has come to an end.

It has been alleged, by those opposed to Thompson’s sacking, that the 27-year-old was being driven out by club management as the club’s treatment of Thompson over the past six weeks raised eyebrows.

He was recently called to front the board to put forward his reasons for not being sacked.

The result of this meeting was summarised by a statement put out by the Dragons on their website.

“The St George Illawarra Dragons and Lance Thompson have today agreed to terminate his 2006 playing contract on terms mutually agreeable to both parties.”

“The parties also agreed that the terms of the agreement would remain confidential”

The Dragons, like any club losing a key forward and team leader, will miss his presence in the upcoming season. It will be a strange Dragons outfit without Thompson running out in the number 12 jersey, which he, over the years, has claimed as his own.

Although Thompson’s future is uncertain, it appears that the Dragons’ loss will be another club’s gain the Sharks being the first club, and probably not the last, to show some interest.

The Thompson saga began at the club’s awards night in October where he was reportedly told by a director of the club that he was going to be cut due to the club’s struggles to remain under the salary cap.

However, St George Illawarra chairman Warren Lockwood was reported as declaring that the club would not breach the salary cap in 2006 regardless of what happened to Thompson.

At least now, both parties can look to the future.

“I’m happy it’s all over and done with,” said Thompson.

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