Ben Hampton wants Melbourne stint to end on a high note before switching to North Queensland
STORM utility Ben Hampton is hoping his stint in Melbourne can end in glory before he joins the Cowboys in 2017.
STORM dynamo Ben Hampton is hoping for a fairytale farewell from Melbourne before relaunching his career in north Queensland.
Hampton is fighting for a spot on Melbourne’s bench in Sunday’s NRL grand final against Cronulla after being a feature throughout the Storm’s late-season surge.
Hampton did not get off the bench in Melbourne’s two-point preliminary final win over Canberra.
Coach Craig Bellamy has named a nine-man bench for the decider and could mix up his interchange given Hampton was not needed against the Raiders.
Hampton burst on to the NRL in 2013, scoring two tries on debut in place of Queensland Origin fullback Billy Slater but he has only played 34 NRL games over four seasons as inconsistency plagued his game.
Hampton, 24, will head to the Cowboys to replace Newcastle-bound utility Rory Kostjasyn next season and said he was ready to make the most of his second crack at first grade.
“I made my debut as a fullback but I don’t think I was ever going to be a fullback,” he said.
“I was just filling in while Billy was on Origin duties. I was inconsistent, which was the main reason I haven’t been in there permanently.
“My defence was my weakest area. It was something I got told to fix in the pre-season before this season started.
“I worked really hard on it and it’s been the biggest improvement. That’s why I’ve played most of this year.’’
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Hampton has been in the Storm’s side 19 times this season, even playing centre during the club’s crippling injury crisis.
Having come through the grades as a playmaker or fullback, shifting to the utility role was new for Hampton but he thrived after a pre-season challenge from Bellamy.
“I was more than happy to do whatever I could to just play in the team,” he said.
“Bellyache approached me in the pre-season and said this role would be open with Hinchy (Ryan Hinchcliffe) leaving.
“They were big shoes to fill. He played all over the ruck and anywhere he had to.
“I was more than willing to put my hand up and play that utility role.
“I’ve only had limited time in the games I’ve played but I’ve done my job in those games.
“Craig keeps it nice and simple and gives you an idea of what he wants you to do. As long as you play your role he’s pretty happy with you.’’
Having grown up in Mareeba, the Cowboys are close to Hampton’s heart.
He is desperate for a fairytale farewell by winning the grand final at ANZ Stadium on Sunday but admits he will leave Melbourne with a heavy heart regardless.
“It was the biggest decision I’ve had to make in my career so far,” he said.
“We’ve still got a job to do. Finishing at this great club on a high is keeping my mind off leaving.
“When it comes to the crunch that’s when I will get a bit upset and emotional.
“Until then I have to make sure I play my role. That’s keeping my mind off it.’’
Originally published as Ben Hampton wants Melbourne stint to end on a high note before switching to North Queensland