Hampton moving forward at fullback

COWBOYS utility Ben Hampton believes he can make the fullback spot his own, but is adamant that he will have no qualms making way for Lachlan Coote despite a standout display against Penrith.

While the Cowboys have looked slow and sluggish to begin the year Hampton has been a shining light with his speed, energy, and desperation.

He racked up 182m from 16 runs, a line break and a try assist in the 33-14 loss to Penrith.

Regular fullback Coote made his return from a hamstring injury for Mackay in the Queensland Cup on Saturday, and it is unclear whether he will be rushed back for Saturday’s clash with the unbeaten Warriors in Auckland.

“I’m building a lot of confidence and Greeny (coach Paul Green) and Cootey have been helping me a lot. I feel like I’m going forward with it, and I feel like I could (eventually) make it my position,” Hampton said.

“Greeny has been patient with me and I’m not the quickest learner, I’m grateful for that.

“I don’t know if I’m keeping him out of the side at the moment, Cootey’s a great player and a really good mate of mine.

“He’s obviously had some trouble with injury and he’s going to build some fitness and confidence in Q Cup.

“He’s earned that spot and has played a lot of first-grade football but I’m sure he’ll come back stronger the next couple of weeks.”

Hampton is a runner of the ball and the Cowboys have missed Coote’s ball-playing ability in three straight losses.

Having played in the halves or as a utility hooker for most of his career, Hampton is still working out the intricacies of the No.1 role.

“I’ve only played four games (at fullback) this year and probably only another five in my career before that,” Hampton said.

“I’m still building confidence and getting used to where I have to be defensively, and always being on the ball.”

The Cowboys are 1-3 and a shadow of the side rated premiership favourites by many.