Thompson and second-row partner Tyson Frizell were two of the shining lights in the Dragons charge to their first finals appearance in four seasons last year.

The 27-year-old was hoping to carry that hard-built momentum into 2016  but has endured a frustrating start to his ninth NRL season due to injury and suspensions for minor offences.

Thompson admits the frustration got the better of him at different stages of the opening 13 rounds of the season but, having shown glimpses of the form that had him in the State of Origin selection frame last season, he feels top form is not far off.

“I sort of didn’t get the ideal start to the season. I missed round one because  a blood clot and when I came back I was probably a bit underdone,” Thompson said.

“ I had a few suspensions and I was playing a bit frustrated. It wasn’t the start to the season I was looking for with those suspensions and I wasn’t really feeling it but I feel like I’m starting to build towards it now.

“The belief was always there I just needed to play some consistent footy and I think I’m starting to do that.”

Thompson said he’s been lifted by the form of longtime “gym buddy” Frizell, who made an outstanding Origin debut two weeks ago after two seasons waiting in the wings.

“I always knew he was going to do that, he just needed his shot,” Thompson said.

“It was good to finally see him get that and I thought he was the best player out there for NSW. He just competes on every play and we saw that with that big chase.

“I was really happy for the big fella and I’m looking forward to seeing him play many more games like that.”

Thompson will form an all-representative back-row alongside Frizell and Jack de Belin against Manly on Sunday with new arrival and Country teammate Tariq Sims to come off the bench.

It’s a crop of quality forwards that bodes well for the future of the club with Thompson the only one of the four not contracted beyond this season.

Having settled with his young family and commenced studying for a community services degree at the University of Wollongong, Thompson said he hopes to remain with the club beyond this year.  

The early departure of Mike Cooper has shortened the odds of Thompson remaining in Wollongong but he said he’s left the matter with manager David Riolo.

“I’m definitely talking with the club and I wouldn’t want to look elsewhere,” Thompson said.

“Hopefully we can get it all sorted soon. I’ve just got to sit down with my manager [Riolo] and go through it all.

“It’s a great club and I think it’s got a great future with all the players coming through and with the direction it’s going in I want to be a part of it. From the start I never really wanted to look anywhere else so hopefully we can have it sorted before the end of the season.”