BEST STILL TO COME
COWBOYS utility Ben Hampton believes he will have more to offer next year after struggling to get to grips with an unfamiliar style of footy.
Hampton has already received praise from Cowboys coach Paul Green for returning from the off-season break in good shape, but faces some tough competition to keep locking down a spot in the 17.
The first-choice halves combination of Johnathan Thurston and Michael Morgan will be back, leaving finals revelation Te Maire-Martin as a possible impact weapon, among others including Josh Chudleigh.
Hampton played 23 of his 26 first-grade games off the bench this year – averaging 31 minutes – and was part of the Cowboys’ inspired run to the NRL grand final.
But he admits he never reached the heights expected of him, something the former Melbourne Storm player says he will be able to fix.
“Hopefully this season I can give a bit more to the team than what I did last season,” he said. “All this year it took me a while to fit in, especially with the structures and the way that the Cowboys defend.
“Being in Melbourne for so long, I think it took me a while to get over falling back into my bad habits and stuff like that.
“But, like I said, I feel like I fit in a lot more and it definitely took me a while to pick up my role in the team and what Greeny wanted from me.
“I’m a lot more comfortable doing that, so I think my best footy is still ahead of me.”
Hampton has started just seven times in his past 45 firstgrade games. He struggled to get into Melbourne’s starting side and it got no easier at the Cowboys, where Jake Granville has cemented the No.9 spot.
“That’s been my goal for the last couple of years, to try and find a spot in that team, but the calibre of players in front of me have been pretty good,” Hampton said. “Whatever role I get in that 17, I’ll do it to the best of my ability.
“There’s a couple of headaches there for the coaches, but that’s a good thing for us.
“It puts heat on a few of the players and brings the best out of them, so I think we’re in really good stead for this season.’
Hampton is also confident of seeing his former Storm teammate and star Cowboys signing Jordan McClean live up to expectations.
“He had his biggest year, obviously playing for Australia, and he was not far off a New South Wales jersey as well,” he said.
“He’s a really good mate of mine and I can’t wait to have him up here. I think he’ll definitely lead from the front, he’ll be great for us.”
The Cowboys today begin a fortnight’s break.
HOPEFULLY THIS SEASON I CAN GIVE A BIT MORE TO THE TEAM THAN WHAT I DID LAST SEASON BEN HAMPTON