Thompson, who will start at centre tonight when the Highlanders take on the Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, is taking inspiration from both family and former team-mates.
Thompson's father, Geoff, died last year and the midfielder is using the loss as extra motivation.
"Every day he is an inspiration. Every day I pull strength from him. It's been a huge factor in me wanting to go further," he said.
"As far as Super level goes I feel a lot fitter. I'm carrying my weight a lot easier than what I was over the last two years."
He had a better understanding of how the Highlanders liked to play.
"That has helped me be on the pace, playing with guys like Bender [Ben Smith], Aaron [Smith], Lima [Sopoaga]."
The departure of Malakai Fekitoa opened up a spot but he has left his mark with Thompson.
"Mala left and that was huge boots to full. Man, he was a freakish trainer. He was just tireless, that guy - inspirational, and someone had to step up. And everyone is.
"We're going overtime at gym, doing the extras - the extra recovery work. All those one-percenters that add up by the end of the week. You can go into the game confident.
"I watched him [Fekitoa] closely in the gym. He was a smart man with his training as well. He is a good man. If you had any questions with your training he would help. I learnt a lot with him the two years I worked with him."
Thompson (26) has confirmed his future is in the South, signing with the franchise until 2020.
"I love Dunedin, love the Highlanders.
"It was more about I did not want to be on the fence [than] about where I wanted to be. Sometimes indecisiveness can be crippling. I really wanted to commit to the Highlanders as a team and the Manawatu Turbos - be back with my mum and my sisters. It is about being decisive."
Thompson played for the Crusaders for a season but got limited game time and headed south in 2016. He said the southern derby was one to look forward to.
"For anyone it is the Crusaders. They won the title last year and even years before. It is always the game you went up for. They've got lots of All Blacks and I used to play for them.
"This year I know the coaches want to hit the ground running . . . put a lot of pressure on ourselves. At training we play a lot of tempo, play under a lot of stress. That has helped our preparation for the first two games."
The Highlanders will look to use the ball and keep it in play against a Crusaders side which favours the set piece.
The Crusaders were unusually sloppy in handling and accuracy last week and it would be surprising if that continues.
Crusaders skipper Sam Whitelock pulled out late yesterday because of concussion symptoms and his absence will hurt the Crusaders. First five-eighth Mike Delany withdrew from the reserves after jarring his knee.
The game will be preceded by a match between the Highlanders Bravehearts and Crusaders Knights development sides, which kicks off at 5pm.
Highlanders: Ben Smith (captain), Waisake Naholo, Rob Thompson, Tei Walden, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Liam Squire, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Siate Tokolahi, Liam Coltman, Aki Seiuli. Reserves: Ash Dixon (co-captain), Daniel Lienert-Brown, Kalolo Tuiloma, Shannon Frizell, Elliot Dixon, Kayne Hammington, Fletcher Smith, Matt Faddes.
Crusaders: David Havili, Seta Tamunivalu, Jack Goodhue, Tim Bateman, George Bridge, Mitch Hunt, Mitch Drummond, Jordan Taufua, Matt Todd, Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, Sam Whitelock (captain), Scott Barrett, Michael Alaalatoa, Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Chris King, Oliver Jager, Luke Romano, Billy Harmon, Bryn Hall, Mike Delany, Manasa Mataele.