Whilst the two competition points will be front of mind for both Tweed and Redcliffe during this weekend's curtain-raiser at Cbus Super Stadium, a special cause will unite the two combatants as they honour one of their best mates.
Competing for the inaugural Hampo Cup - remember the late Liam Hampson who tragically passed away last October - his former two Hostplus Cups are excited to battle it out in his legacy in what will be the first of many battles to come in what will become a regular fixture in the calendar for both the Seagulls and Dolphins.
Match: Seagulls v Dolphins
Round 17 -
home Team
Seagulls
8th Position
away Team
Dolphins
5th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Not only playing to remember the loveable larrikin, the clash will also help raise funds for Hampo's Youth Foundation - a charity setup in the crafty No. 9's honour to help young people reach their potential - with Liam's mother Lorna Morton extremely grateful of the rugby league community's support following the passing of her son.
"I truly can’t put into words how special it is for us as a family. You never want to be in this position, but it actually gives us such strength to carry on and move forward in a really positive way," she said.
"Tweed and Redcliffe are so important to our family and some of our best memories have been down there watching Liam play with his mates, so to have a lot of those boys still playing and being out there and competing will be a true honour."
The winner of the clash will receive the perpetual Hampo Cup and the player of the match will be honoured with the Liam Hampson medal. Fans will also be encouraged to stand in the ninth minute of the game and remember the former Seagull and Dolphin with a round of applause.
Funds will also be raised for Hampo's Youth Foundation through the 50-50 charity raffle on game day at Cbus Super Stadium.
One of Liam's closest friends Will Brimson is proud to be playing for his best mate, named to line up in the halves for Tweed this weekend.
"It’s great what Hampo's Youth Foundation has done involving the Hampo Cup with Tweed and Redcliffe," he said.
"Hampo was a big part of Redcliffe and Tweed and all the boys cherish the memories playing with him. I want to thank the Titans as well to allow us to share their platform and let us play at Cbus for the Cup."
"Queensland Cup clubs don’t often get the opportunity to play at these big stadiums so we’re obviously stoked and the fact that we get to play something for Hampo as well, we’ll be really keen to get the win."
Redcliffe captain Cameron Cullen is equally honoured to be part of the inaugural match held as the curtain-raiser to the Titans v Dolphins clash and knows how special the occasion will be for both clubs.
"It’s an awesome initiative and all of the players at our club are certainly excited they get to play for something that’s really special to them and also play in front of an NRL game at Cbus," Cullen said.
"I think it’s a great opportunity and it’s a game that means so much to not just our players but to both clubs, so thanks to Tweed and Redcliffe and also the Titans for putting it on.
"I certainly know it’s going to be a special game this year and for many years to come and it's probably one of the biggest things knowing how much it means to Liam’s family and we’re all so close to Liam.
"He had a big impact on our club so to be able to continue his legacy, but also the opportunity Hampo’s Youth Foundation is going to give other kids to achieve their dreams, that’s special as well.
"The day is going to mean a lot more than just a game of footy."
