You have skipped the navigation, tab for page content
Versatile Hampton always ready to wing it

He is accustomed to playing various positions but Ben Hampton concedes he is learning on the run in his new role with the Cowboys.

Hampton has four games under his belt as a winger and will line up on the left wing for Saturday night's crucial round 10 meeting with the Eels in Townsville.

The 27-year-old is known at the club for his versatility and has become conditioned to filling any number of roles.

“I’ve been told I’m playing here and there over my career so I’m sort of used to it now," Hampton said.

"I never played much wing growing up, none at all actually. I sat down with Greeny [coach Paul Green], the coaching staff and also Feldty [Kyle Feldt] when he was out and got a few pointers off those guys.

"Feldty was a big help to me. He's a very experienced winger. He told me a few things I should concentrate on."

Cowboys v Eels - Round 10

Hampton admits he’s still adjusting to the ins and outs of playing on the wing and knows what he needs to work on.

“No matter what position I’ve played I’m always looking to improve, but maybe my involvement, getting more ball and going into the middle and sniffing around like I used to when I was coming off the bench," he said.

The Cowboys have had a different preparation leading into this weekend’s game, holding their training sessions in the afternoon as opposed to mornings.

The time change could help the home team be sharper for Saturday's 5.30pm kick-off against the Eels.

Gutherson signs new three-year deal

“I think that is the idea," Hampton said.

"Greeny and the leadership group had a talk about changing training up a little bit for the preparation this week. Maybe get your body or your mind ready. I think clubs in other forms of sport do it a little bit like that.

“We’ll get in and get done what we have to do in preparation for this weekend."

Hampton is expecting the Eels to bounce back after they were labelled soft following their 64-10 thrashing from the Melbourne Storm.

“Doesn't matter who you are, if you play a game like that you’re always going to go back and look really hard at that game and look for the improvements," he said.

"I'm sure Brad Arthur will have those boys fired up for this weekend.”

When asked if it’s getting to the stage of “make or break” for the Cowboys season, Hampton said: “We don’t like to look too far ahead. Maybe there are some people out there saying that it is getting to crunch time but as long as we improve from last week and keep improving, I'm sure that will take care of itself.”

Acknowledgement of Country

Queensland Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

Platinum Partners

View All Partners