'We will play for him': Shattered Kangaroos to honour Hampson

The Kangaroos will dedicate their World Cup match against Scotland to the memory of Redcliffe Dolphins player Liam Hampson, with a shattered Pat Carrigan vowing to play in his honour.

Carrigan and a several other members of the Kangaroos squad were close to Hampson, who passed away in Barcelona this week, and the Broncos forward was visibly upset as he left early from a civic reception on Wednesday night.

Australian coach Mal Meninga has given the squad a three-day break after the match against the Bravehearts and he said it would be an opportunity for Carrigan and other players to grieve for Hampson.

“They are obviously affected by it,” Meninga said. “At some stage the boys who were close friends with him over here will need time to grieve and we will support them as best we possibly can.

“Pat wants to get out there, so he is comfortable with that at the moment, but we are still another 24 hours away from the game so we will see that pans out.

“All of the team has got a bit of time off after the game. I am not quite sure what Patty and those guys are going to do but they will have time and space to reflect in their own way. Being so far away from home too is a big thing.”

Meninga asked to send a message of support to Hampson’s family before the Kangaroos captain’s run at Coventry Building Society Arena, which is home to Coventry City FC and the embattled Wasps rugby union club.

The Kangaroos will wear black armbands and there will be a moment's silence for Hampson before the match.

“It is tragic news. On behalf of the Kangaroos, we send our condolences back to Liam’s family and friends. It was a sad day and obviously we pay our respects,” Meninga said.

“Liam’s family will be very much grieving today and for a very long period of time, so we are very much behind them. In our minds we will be playing for them tomorrow.”

Hampson, 24, was reported missing by a group of friends while on a trip to Spain, with his father Brett sadly confirming his passing on Thursday.

A talented hooker, who starred at schoolboy level for Keebra Park High, Hampson played for the Tweed Seagulls in 2021 and was a member of the Dolphins team that played in this year’s Hostplus Cup grand final.