Origin stars unite to bring Hampson home
QUEENSLAND Origin stars Kalyn Ponga and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui are among a host of NRL players who have provided financial aid in the wake of the Liam Hampson tragedy.
More than 20 current and former NRL stars have thrown their support behind a GoFundMe campaign aimed at raising $50,000 to help the Hampson family bring their son’s body home following his tragic death in Spain.
The generosity of Knights captain Ponga has helped the fund, organised by Broncos forward Jordan Riki who was holidaying with Hampson, reach the nominated $50,000 target in just six hours.
At least 1200 people have reached into their pockets and Ponga is among those contributing to help bankroll the return of the 24-year-old to Australia.
Titans playmaker Toby Sexton also contributed, while his Gold Coast teammate Brimson, who was overseas with Hampson and initially raised a search alarm on social media, also chipped in.
Other NRL figures who have helped out include Australia’s World Cup duo Fa’asuamaleaui and Reuben Cotter, Broncos forward Brendan Piakura, Maroons star Ben Hunt’s wife Bridget, Titans coach Justin Holbrook and former Queensland Origin pair Phil Sami and Corey Allan.
Former NRL players Jamahl Lolesi, Paul Sironen, Denan Kemp, Anthony Don and ex-Broncos captain Alex Glenn have also donated.
New Broncos recruit Reece Walsh is another contributor, underlining the spirit of the NRL community as the rugby league world comes to terms with the devastating death of the Redcliffe Queensland Cup player. “On behalf of Liam’s family and friends we would like to support his beautiful family in helping getting Liam home,” Riki wrote.