RLWC: Pat Carrigan pays tribute to Liam Hampson as Kangaroos shred Scotland

Pat Carrigan and the Kangaroos played like men on a mission at the Rugby League World Cup – and the mission was to honour their friend Liam Hampson.

Pat Carrigan's tribute to Liam Hampson.

Patrick Carrigan had tears in his eyes and a tribute on his wrist. When Redcliffe Dolphins player Liam Hampson lost his life in Barcelona this week, the rugby league world was rocked and the Australian team wasn’t immune.

Carrigan played with and against Hampson throughout their respective careers. They were friends and if Carrigan wasn’t part of the Kangaroos squad for the World Cup, he may well have been in Barcelona with Hampson and their mates this week.

As it was, he was in Coventry where, having endured one of the most difficult weeks of his career, he produced an inspiring performance on Saturday morning (AEDT) to honour his mate’s memory by helping Australia to victory.

Pat Carrigan's tribute to Liam Hampson.

Carrigan ran out with ‘Hampo’ written on his wrist. As the teams stood for the minute’s silence, he wiped tears from his eyes. He wasn’t the only one.

“We grew up playing footy against each other — so we are the same age,” Carrigan said.

“Then we have little crew of mates outside footy from the Goldie. A little crew of us that knock about together.

“It is really tough to see what has happened — not only to see what his family has to go through but also some of the lads we were close with.

“[He was] a fun, lovable sort of person that everyone has in their friendship group. If I wasn’t in this situation probably would have been on that holiday with the boys.

“He will be remembered as a competitor on and off the footy field … and brought a lot of joy to our friendship group.”

The Australians wore black armbands in honour of Hampson and coach Mal Meninga had promised that the team would have Hampson’s family in the back of their mind against the Scots.

Liam Hampson has been found dead in a Barcelona nightclub while travelling overseas

They certainly played like a side on a mission. The Kangaroos showed Scotland no mercy on the way to an 84-0 victory and Carrigan was as influential as anyone, particularly in the opening 30 minutes or so.

He tore into the poor Scots. He put his hand up at every opportunity to get the Kangaroos on the front foot. In a team littered with stars, Carrigan was as good as anyone.

When he was given a rest after his first stint, he had already run for nearly 100m. He finished the game having run for more meters than any other player on the field - 153 in total. He did his mate proud.

“I was definitely thinking of him and his family,” Carrigan said.

“I tried to do my part to play a good game of footy for the family back home. I put his name on my wrist — I am not usually one of do that sort of stuff but I wanted to show a bit of (support) to his family and all the guys out there, to show they are not alone.

“I wanted to reach out of the boy and let them know I am thinking of them. I just wanted to play … to be a shining light for his family and the guys, I wanted to give back to these guys too.

“I reckon after that night all 24 of them plus the coaching staff sent me a message when I was in my room. There is not one bit where I felt alone in the last couple of days.”

The Australians will be given some time off this week and Carrigan is fortunate to have family in England. His mum and dad were in Coventry and at their game.

His other family — the Kangaroos — have wrapped their arms around him

“He has handled it with great strength,” Meninga said.

“He is grieving obviously. He is a great character. Emotionally as days go on we may need to rally around him with support.

“It was tragic what happened. Again, we send our condolences to family and friends.”

Originally published as RLWC: Pat Carrigan pays tribute to Liam Hampson as Kangaroos shred Scotland