NRL 2023: Brisbane Broncos stars reveal grand final promise to late mate Liam Hampson

Broncos stars Jordan Riki, Jesse Arthars and Pat Carrigan were devastated by the tragic death of rising rugby league star Liam Hampson. Now they want to give their late mate the ultimate honour.

Jordan Riki made a promise to Liam Hampson.

Jordan Riki is on the verge of delivering on his promise to win a premiership for late mate Liam Hampson as a Broncos trio draws on the spirit of ‘Hampo’ in Sunday’s NRL grand final.

In the lead-up to the Accor Stadium premiership decider against Penrith, Riki revealed he made a vow to a win an NRL title for Hampson following the Redcliffe rake’s tragic death last year.

A rising rugby league player among a close knit group of NRL stars, Hampson died after accidentally falling from the roof of a Barcelona nightclub last October during a dream holiday.

Among the group of friends travelling through Europe on the post-season getaway was Titans fullback AJ Brimson and Broncos duo Riki and Jesse Arthars. Brisbane lock Pat Carrigan would have been with them if he had not been selected in Australia’s World Cup squad.

Brisbane Broncos player Jordan Riki (right) with Liam Hampson on holiday.

Hampson’s death, at age 24, sent shockwaves through the Queensland rugby league community given his ties to the Titans, Broncos and Dolphins, who he played for in the 2022 Hostplus Cup grand final just weeks prior.

Riki, 23, was a pallbearer at Hampson’s funeral and vowed to use his good friend’s death as motivation to win a premiership.

He is now 80 minutes away from making that pledge a reality after being one of Brisbane’s most improved players this season.

“It was hard,” Riki said of Hampson’s death.

“When he passed away, I talked to his family quite closely.

“I made a promise to myself and him that I want to go out there and win a premiership for him. I said it earlier in the year.

“To be here in these shoes right now is a bit emotional. I know he is with me and the boys as well. Patty Carrigan was very close with him as well coming through the junior grades together.

“I know he’s with me in spirit. I can’t wait to run out there with his name on my wrist.”

Broncos Jordan Riki and Jesse Arthars were among Hampson’s pallbearers. NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

Hampson’s death was a shocking end to what had been the trip of a lifetime.

The group had spent a month travelling through Europe, having what Brimson described as the time of their lives.

But a night out in Barcelona on October 17, to farewell Riki as he prepared to head home, ended in heartbreaking circumstances when Hampson didn’t return to the group’s hotel.

Riki boarded a flight home the next morning having no idea Hampson had accidentally plunged to his death after being locked out of the nightclub.

He arrived in Australia to the most harrowing news imaginable and was shattered at Hampson’s funeral.

“Liam played such a huge part in my life,” Riki said.

“It was only for a short period but when I first met him we clicked instantly.

“The type of person and player he was … he was fearless on the field and backed himself.

“He loved to take a short-side carry from dummy-half and we gave him stick about it, but that was just him and his game. He backed himself.

“In the grand final he played hooker for Redcliffe, I thought he was outstanding and probably best on ground.”

Hampson with his arm around Riki.

Arthars, 25, attended famed rugby league nursery Keebra Park High School on the Gold Coast with Hampson and Brimson.

The Broncos winger had already left the group before the fateful night in Barcelona and was in Australia when news filtered through. Arthars was also a pallbearer for Hampson.

“‘Hampo’ was one of my best mates growing up,” Arthars said.

“We went to school together and played footy together.

“It’s been a pretty rough year for all of his close mates. We’ve stayed strong together and we’ve been there for his family.

“Jordy has said he is going to do everything he can for Liam this year on the footy field, which is awesome. He’s one of my best mates and I will keep trying hard for him and spreading his name out there.

“I’m looking forward to the game. He will be up there watching, happy as.

“He went for the Cowboys, but I’m sure he’ll be cheering for the boys, bro.”

As the one-year anniversary of Hampson’s death nears, Arthars reflects on the impact of losing a loved one.

But loss is not something new to him.

In 2018, Arthars’ mother Jane died following a brief battle with brain cancer as he pursued an NRL career with the Melbourne Storm.

Arthars rebounded from the loss of his mother to make his NRL debut for the Titans in 2019. Now he is playing in his first NRL grand final after unseating Broncos veteran Corey Oates.

Arthars is lapping up grand final week. Picture: Liam Kidston

“When you go through a bit of trauma, your life changes,” Arthars said.

“I’ve lost important people in my life. I’ve dealt with a lot of loss.

“No one wants to lose a loved one or really close mate. The way I look at it, you’ve got to get on with life.

“You go through things in life and it’s all about how you bounce back. I’ve tried to be positive energy.

“I’m always going to be happy. I’m sure Mum would want me to have a smile on my face.

“I’ll go out there and put in my best performance. I’m sure if I don’t, she will be spraying me from up top.

“I’m really enjoying it at the moment and am soaking in this week with the boys.”

Originally published as NRL 2023: Brisbane Broncos stars reveal grand final promise to late mate Liam Hampson