Emotional home games honour fallen player

Ben’s team, the Under 16s, played for the Ben Hunter Memorial Shield against Caloundra Friday night. 

Ben Hunter loved playing for the Crushers.

Nambour Junior Crushers Rugby League paid tribute to fallen teammate Ben Hunter last weekend (July 14, 15) when they took to the fields in a big round of home games at the club. 

The “Round for BJ” included a massive weekend of home games at Crusher Park.

Ben’s team, the Under 16s, played for the Ben Hunter Memorial Shield against Caloundra on Friday night. Black arm bands were worn and Ben’s number 11 jersey set aside as a mark of respect. 

Stadium gathering

• Meanwhile, loved ones and the rugby league community will also gather at Sunshine Coast Stadium to remember the talented player who was tragically killed as he walked home from the gym last month.

The public memorial service will be held on July 23 at 10.30am at Sunshine Coast Stadium to celebrate Ben’s life and achievements.

The 16-year-old was a member of the Melbourne Storm junior academy, a Caloundra State High School student and Langer Trophy player, a Brisbane Broncos supporter and a talented Nambour Crushers and Sunshine Coast Falcons player.

• About a thousand rugby league supporters from clubs across the Sunshine Coast paid tribute to Ben in an emotional candlelight vigil at the Nambour Crushers Football Club on June 28.