The Sunshine Valley Gazette

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Emotional home games at Crusher Park: Juniors to honour fallen player Ben Hunter

July 14/15: Round for BJ

Nambour Junior Crushers Rugby League will be playing for popular player Ben Hunter this weekend when they take the fields (July 14, 15). The club has planned a “Round for BJ”, a massive weekend of home games at Crusher Park.

Ben’s team, the Under 16s, will play for the Ben Hunter Memorial Shield against Caloundra. Black arm bands will be worn and Ben’s number 11 jersey set aside as a mark of respect.

The Under 16s game is at 7:45pm Friday night July 14 on Field 1.

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.

A 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.

Up to 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.

Ben Hunter’s former teammates will take the field against Caloundra this weekend at Nambour Crushers Football Club.

Ben’s Under 16 teammates play at 7.45pm Friday night.