BEN’S GAME: TIGERS, EAGLES TO HONOUR MEMORY

TWO Rugby League Gold Coast footy families will join together on Saturday to celebrate the life of a much-loved figure taken from the world too soon.

Southport Tigers will host Currumbin Eagles in the inaugural Ben Hamlet Memorial Match, dedicated to the former Southport junior who took his own life in March this year.

Southport president Tim Mahoney labelled Ben “a much-loved member of the club” who played more than 100 games for the Tigers, including multiple junior grand finals and premierships.

Ben’s younger brother Jack was also a Southport junior, coached by their dad Bruce.

When Jack moved to play for Currumbin, winning junior premierships under Matt Geyer, the Hamlets found a second footy family.

Now with Geyer installed as Currumbin’s A-grade coach it seemed fitting, Mahoney said, for the two clubs to dedicate one game each year to Ben’s memory.

“Even though Ben never played at Currumbin the family has that link,” Mahoney said. “We want to use the opening round of the season to support mental health awareness and hopefully help make a difference.

“Ben was a representative footy player with a tight family and was well-supported.

“Just because people seem like they’re OK it doesn’t mean they’re OK. Make sure you’re checking in on your mates.”

The Hamlet family has sponsored the perpetual Ben Hamlet Memorial trophy, which will go to the winning team on Saturday.

A man of the match trophy and $500 prizemoney will go to the player adjudged best afield.

Bruce will present the main trophy and Jack the man of the match honour.

“From the Hamlet family I would like to thank Tim and the Southport footy club and Pat and Matty Geyer from Currumbin,” Bruce said.

“To be able to keep Ben’s memory alive and share this once a year with these two great footy clubs is very humbling and we will be forever grateful.

“I think the focus on mental health, the more exposure we can give to it, the better off someone else will be.”

Southport player Brock Hamill played with Ben from 2012-16.

“It means a lot going out there and playing this weekend in memory of Ben,” Hamill said. “He was a very respectful and funny bloke, and a good friend who would always take the time to make sure you were OK.”

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