One of 10 club debutantes in 2017, off-season Storm recruit Ben Hampton found himself as the Cowboys’ backup hooker for the bulk of 2017 despite having not played there very much during a four-season stint in Melbourne.

This was due to a serious pre-season knee injury to potential deputy rake Josh Chudleigh, thrusting Hampton into the largely unfamiliar role.

Still the 25-year-old Mareeba product put in a dogged display across 26 games, with fans getting glimpses of his dynamic running game during 2017.

2017 STATS:

Played: 26

Tries: 1

Average run metres: 26

Average tackles: 14

Off the field: Has embraced his return to NQ by joining Javid Bowen and Scott Bolton as the club’s resident campers and huntsmen