Mums see Ben, Enari in action

THE Cowboys’ proud contingent of Far North Queenslanders have done two mums proud despite North Queensland’s 21-20 loss to South Sydney at Barlow Park.

Utility Ben Hampton and zippy winger Enari Tuala’s mums braved the rain yesterday afternoon for a chance to see their sons shine at the top level.

Hampton, born-and-raised in Mareeba had strong support in the crowd with mum Meghan joined by half-a-dozen close family and friends in the grandstands to cheer him on.

“It’s awesome to see him play here,” Meghan said.

“It’s like a home game for Ben and the Cowboys. It’s wonderful that the Rabbitohs bring the game up here for us.

“We’ve made the trip down to Townsville four or five times this year. I try to go to every home game but I’ve missed a couple through floods and road closures. As a mum, I like that he joined the Cowboys (after playing with the Melbourne Storm) because I see him a lot more than I used to.

“Nan has come too which is always nice.”

While happy to see her son play anywhere, Meghan said his best position is fullback.

Tuala, an Edmonton Storm junior, who dedicated a breakout three-try performance with the Northern Pride to his mum earlier this year, has worked hard to cement his place with the Cowboys.

“He’s a kid that always wanted to play football,” CDRL secretary Pat Bailey said. “With kids a lot of it’s about what happens at home and his mum’s played a big role in getting him there.”