Utility Hampton sick of playing second fiddle

BEN Hampton has been a jack of all trades for the Cowboys, but heading into his fourth season with the club, the 27-year-old is ready to finish his apprenticeships and become a master of one.

His ability to cover all positions on the football field has been one of his greatest assets since his debut in 2013.

Unfairly, it has also not been to his benefit, as he has been unable to find a stable role in the side.

In his 56 games for the Cowboys, the Mareeba product has played every position in the backline bar halfback, as a bench utility and even a game as starting hooker.

Hampton is a coach’s dream and his determination to take the field and play for his teammates means he will take whatever opportunity is at his disposal. But it can come with a price.

“It can be a good thing, (but) it can be a bad thing being a utility,” Hampton said.

“Sometimes you are not needed and sometimes you are extremely valuable. I have been in this position pretty much my whole career, so I know exactly what to expect.

“My goal is still to try and lock down a position at some stage. But I will do whatever the coach wants me to, and whatever the team needs.

“I will keep doing what I do every year, put my best foot forward and train as hard as I can.”

Deep into the pre-season at the Cowboys, Hampton has already been used around the field, even doing ballwork drills in the halves.

It is a welcome change for the 91-game veteran, who was forced to look on during drills for most of last year as he rehabbed a busted wing.

He went under the surgeon’s knife to reattach the tendons to the radius.

He has a desire to put more weight and muscle on his frame in case he finds himself out on the edges.

“If (Paul Green) said (the wing) is where he is looking to play me, than I will do everything I can to take that spot,” Hampton said.