A fringe first-grader at Canterbury in 2014 and 2015, Thompson became a star with 27 tries in his first season with Widnes in Super League in 2016.

But when he grew tired of watching friends play in the NRL last year while he battled homesickness, Thompson sought a path back to Australia through the Tigers on a two-season deal.

Largely overlooked on the lengthy list of Tigers recruits this year, the 27-year-old impressed on the wing in their opening trial win over North Queensland and has been handed the No.1 jersey for the club's final hitout against Cronulla on Saturday night at Campbelltown.

"I had a very good game last weekend but I can't just stick with that and think that gives me a spot," Thompson told AAP.

"I never came here with expectations to be a starter. I knew I had to work hard.

"I just want to give (coach) Ivan (Cleary) a headache to know he has a hard choice if he's going to pick me or not pick me."

Thompson grew up playing fullback but featured exclusively on the wing in his 35 games for Canterbury in 2014 and 2015.

He has spent the pre-season training both on the wing and at fullback alongside expectant No.1 Tuimoala Lolohea, who played at the back in Cairns last week but was named in reserve grade this weekend.

It means Thompson will have as good of a chance as any aspirant to claim the No.1 jersey or left wing spot, with right-side winger David Nofoaluma and centre Kevin Naiqama the only two certainties among the Tigers back five.

Thompson also has the advantage of having worked with former NSW fullback Brett Hodgson when the former Tiger was an assistant at Widnes over the past two years, before he too shifted to Concord.

"He was a great fullback when he was playing and then when I train there he pulls me up and gives me tips on how to be better," Thompson said.

"It doesn't bother me where I play.

"When I played in England. I played a couple of games at fullback and then switched sometimes between the left and right wing. It doesn't worry me."

Australian Associated Press