League: Kiwis selection shock for Thompson

Bodene Thompson is the first Kiwis player from Tauranga, he plays for West Tigers in Sydney.PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES

When Bodene Thompson made his debut for Gold Coast Titans in 2009, he became the first Tauranga-raised player to make it into the NRL.

Now he has set the bar even higher, becoming the first Tauranga player to make the Kiwis when he was called into the squad last week to replace Roosters prop Sam Moa, who withdrew due to a family illness.

Thompson, who switched to the West Tigers in 2013, says he was rapt to get the call.

Thompson was on tour with the Maori NZ Rugby League team and was planning on a well deserved holiday with his family for two weeks on the Gold Coast.

Now he can't wait to force his way into the Kiwis squad in the Four Nations series, after he missed selection in Saturday night's opening 30-12 win against Australia.

"When I got the call, it didn't really sink in at first," Thompson said. "It's a massive honour for me to be here, every young kid wants to play for their country. I never thought this would happen but it is awesome. I am just privileged to be in here with the boys."

Thompson is a from a large family in Welcome Bay, with 12 brothers and sisters, most of whom still live there or in Te Puke.

He was educated at Welcome Bay Primary, then Tauranga Intermediate, before attending Tauranga Boys' College from 2002-2004. He left at the end of Year 11, aged 16, to move to the Gold Coast with his family.

Thompson played rugby union at Tauranga Boys' and league on Sundays for the Tauranga City Sharks juniors.

He is a ball-playing back rower, who has filled in capably in the centres for the West Tigers, and says back rower Adam Blair was the player he most wanted to emulate.

Working hard at training, listening and learning, are his key operatives since he joined the Kiwis' camp.

Thompson says even if he does not get game time, it will be a worthwhile experience.

"Whatever happens, happens. If I am just here for four weeks without playing a game, I am still grateful and honoured to be here. I am going to prepare as best I can."

Kiwis halfback Shaun Johnson backed Thompson to make the step-up to international rugby league.