Just four games into his first-grade career, young Newcastle Knights forward Leo Thompson has survived his 'Welcome to the NRL' moment at the hands of fellow Kiwi Braden Hamlin-Uele.
Middle forward Thompson, 21, was called into the Knights starting line-up against Cronulla Sharks, turning a 32-minute shift that included 23 tackles - but none as big as the one that sent him reeling backwards late in the 18-0 loss.
Within metres of the tryline, the Gisborne lad took a pass from dummy half Chris Randall and copped a massive hit from Auckland-born Hamlin-Uele at the same time, rocking him back several metres on impact.
To his credit, Thompson picked himself up, shrugged it off and lined up for his next carry.
Originally signed to the Canberra Raiders junior system, he has signed a two-year deal with Newcastle and was quickly upgraded from a development stint to a fulltime contract.
If he looks familiar, it's because twin brother Tyrone plays hooker for Wellington and the Chiefs in the 15-a-side code.
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