Mareeba saddling up with Cowboys to cheer Hampton
AS former Mareeba boy Ben Hampton gears up to step in the spotlight for the NRL grand final on Sunday, his family, friends and fans back home have painted the town blue and yellow.
The North Queensland Cowboys utility kicked off his rugby league career playing with the Mareeba Gladiators as a junior and over the years made his way up the ranks.
Mareeba Leagues Club administration and function facilitator Kelly Debney said the club had thrown their support behind the Cowboys.
“We’ve got banners and balloons all around the place,” she said.
“We’ll have the game play- ing on all the TV screens around the club.”
There will be hourly cash draws and food and drink specials on the day.
The bistro will open at 6am and kids eat free on Sunday. The Gateway Hotel will also be playing the grand final on the big screen at the front bar.
Mareeba Junior Rugby League Club president Darrin Hastie said Hampton’s success was an inspiration to the young boys and girls currently going through the club.
“I’m a bit dirty because I was a Roosters supporter and the Cowboys beat them last weekend but I’m happy they’re in,” he said. “It’s really good for our players to see what you can achieve even coming from a small town.”