COVENTRY – Kangaroos forward Pat Carrigan rolled into the Midlands this week expecting a tough game with Scotland – but instead faced a much more difficult challenge, hearing of the death of his friend, Redcliffe Dolphins hooker Liam Hampson.
Carrigan was informed of the tragic news via a phone call as the Australian team arrived at a civic reception in Coventry, and was rocked by the death of Hampson, who died at a nightbluc on holiday in Barcelona with fellow footy stars AJ Brimson, Jesse Arthars and Jordan Riki.
“He was an awesome mate of mine,” said Carrigan. “It’s really tough to see what has happened and what his family is going through and some of the lads I’m close with. He was a fun, lovable sort of person, the type everyone has in their friendship group.
“If I hadn’t been in this situation I probably would have been on that holiday with the boys.
We grew up playing footy against each other and we have a good crew of mates from the Goldie – some of the Titans boys. He’ll be remembered as a competitor on and off the footy field, only a little guy but a smile and someone who brought a lot of joy.”
Despite the death of his mate, Carrigan vowed to play on for Australia and took to the field with Hampson’s name written on his wrist.
“I was thinking of him and his family and grateful that I could be in that position to try to play a good game of footy for the boys watching back home and his family,” said the Broncos lock.
“I don’t usually do that sort of stuff (with the wrist) but I wanted to show a memento to his family and all the guys out there to show they’re not alone. We probably need to talk about things more as men and I’m probably not the best to do that but I wanted to reach out to the boys and let them know I was thinking of them.
“I just wanted to play and be a bit of a shining light for the guys (who were with Hampson when he died) and his family.
“But I wanted to give back to these guys (his teammates). I reckon all 24 of the players and coaching staff sent me a message when I was in my room. I think that speaks to the group we’ve got here. There’s not one moment I’ve felt alone the last few days.
“There’s no place I’d rather be. The boys have made it feel like a little family and constantly checked in on me.”
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