NRL 2023: Broncos star Jordan Riki opens up on tragic death of Liam Hampson

While Jordan Riki is still coming to terms with the shock passing of Liam Hampson, the Broncos star has vowed to achieve their dream and win a premiership for the aspiring NRL star.

Jordan Riki (R) alongside close friend Liam Hampson (L) on holiday together before his tragic passing. Picture: Instagram.

Jordan Riki has opened up about the tragic death of his good mate Liam Hampson and says it will be his career-long goal to win a Broncos premiership for the aspiring NRL young gun.

On the eve of his 50th NRL game, Riki revealed he is still coming to terms with the shock passing of Hampson as he prepares for Brisbane’s clash against Wests Tigers on Saturday night at Suncorp Stadium.

It has been almost six months since Riki’s European holiday with his mates – Queensland Origin utility AJ Brimson, Broncos winger Jesse Arthars and Redcliffe hooker Hampson – ended in tragedy.

Just days after the group were celebrating the end of another gruelling rugby league season by drinking beers at Oktoberfest in Germany, Hampson plunged to his death after falling off a balcony at a Barcelona nightclub.

Jordan Riki (R) alongside close friend Liam Hampson (L) on holiday together before his tragic passing. Picture: Instagram.

Having shed countless tears since the pain of Barcelona, Riki says Hampson’s death has altered his attitude on life and the Kiwi Test hopeful wants to break Brisbane’s 17-year title drought in honour of the 24-year-old.

“I want to win a premiership for Liam, 100 per cent,” said Riki, speaking at length for the first time about the loss of Hampson.

“I scored in the (Maori) All Stars game (in February), I had Liam’s name written on my wrist and did a little signal to the camera after I scored for Liam.

“He was a ferocious hooker on the field, he loved getting stuck in and in Europe, we had some cheeky wrestles together.

“Losing Liam was just heartbreaking. It still hurts.

“I would love to win a comp not only for the Broncos, but for Liam and his family and that would be my way of honouring them.”

Riki says the death of Hampson has altered his view on life, and has vowed to achieve both of their shared dream of winning an NRL premiership. Picture: Steve Pohlner.

Riki and Brimson carried Hampson’s coffin at his funeral at Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium in November.

Riki has been one of Brisbane’s most consistent players this season. The 23-year-old has amassed 130 tackles in the opening four weeks to provide the defensive backbone for the Broncos’ unbeaten start and he says Hampson’s spirited soul has inspired his football.

“Even now, it hasn’t quite sunk in for me,” Riki told News Corp.

“When you hear of a tragedy, it’s like watching a movie or reading an article and you think, ‘God, those poor people’.

Riki (back left) helped carry Hampson’s coffin at his funeral in November 2022. Picture: David Clark.

“You never think it will happen to you. We never expected to be involved in a tragedy like this. It happened to us.

“What happened was a terrible tragedy and his family I hold dear to my heart. We were talking every single day after Liam passed away and now it’s more once or twice a week to stay in touch and see how they are.

“I still haven’t fully processed it, but I have taken a lot of lessons away from Liam’s death.

“He was such a loveable and fun guy, he loved to have a laugh. He never took anything too seriously.

“He was one of those people who didn’t really care what people thought of him, sometimes he wouldn’t wear the coolest clothes and he would get ripped out by the guys, but he just owned it and rocked it.

“That’s one thing I took from him, Liam just loved life and that’s been my New Year’s resolution, just get amongst it, appreciate what I have at the Broncos and enjoy life.

“Not everything has to be so serious.”

Riki admits he is still coming to terms with the death of Hampson. Picture: Instagram.

Riki struggled for consistency last season but has turned to Broncos forward legend Sam Thaiday for some NRL mentoring.

The advice of Slammin’ Sam has underpinned Riki’s hunger in defence and willingness to rip in for his teammates – just as Hampson did for Redcliffe in last year’s Queensland Cup grand final.

“Matt Gillett (former Broncos Origin star) was an outstanding back-rower here for years and I have been in close contact with Sam Thaiday as well,” Riki said.

“Defensively, he was amazing, so I’ve had a few chats to Sammy Thaiday.

“He has been in my ear and he is a good laugh as well, he helps me smell the roses around footy.

“I don’t want to shy away from the dirty work.

“We all have a job to do but at the same time I want to keep my head down at the Broncos and I don’t mind being the quiet achiever.

“I am happy to stay away from the spotlight, be humble and just get my job done for the team.

“That’s exactly how Liam played the game.”

Originally published as NRL 2023: Broncos star Jordan Riki opens up on tragic death of Liam Hampson