Lindsay Thomas has backed rising star Jy Simpkin to take the next step in his career, with the youngster set to step out in his recently vacated No.12 jumper.

“It’s funny, I said to my wife, if there’s going to be anyone that knocks me off my perch it’s going to be Jy Simpkin, the kids so talented...and he’s knocked me off my perch and put me out of a job,” Thomas joked to NMFC.com.au.

“I couldn’t be prouder and give it to a better kid.”

In what was an overwhelming and emotional experience, Thomas, who was delisted by North, personally contacted Simpkin asking if he would like to wear his No. 12.

“Hopefully he can make the number his own, he can beat all the records that I’ve set over the 11 years and I am sure he will,” Thomas said.

“I felt like I’ve done not just the number but the jumper proud.”

The duo formed an early bond with Thomas reaching out to Simpkin as soon as the young gun had been drafted to North.

“I knew of his background, he’s an indigenous boy and I know how hard the transition is to come in to a footy club, to a foreign place and not knowing many people so I took him straight under my wing,” Thomas recalled.

“The kid’s a superstar and I’ve been super proud of his development over the last 12 months and he’s only going to get better.

“I’m going to be watching him next year and I’m going to be proud of Jy Simpkin wearing the number 12.”