Ben Hampton will have a huge job for the North Queensland Cowboys this weekend when he fills in at halfback for the injured Johnathan Thurston.
The Cowboys will take on the ladder-leading St George Illawarra Dragons, with a forward pack that has been proving that a simple game plan can work if executed well.
Hampton spoke about playing his own style of footy in the position, and the pressure that comes with the role.
"I still get really nervous and there is a lot of pressure to step up and fill those shoes. I just play to my strengths if I do have to fill that role," Hampton said.
"I played the majority of my juniors at fullback and in the halves… I don't think it will take that long to get used to it again."
Hampton has worked on his kicking game throughout the season, and plans to present himself as a viable kicking option to release some pressure from halves partner Michael Morgan.
"I do a little bit of kicking at training anyway… I always try and do a little bit after training just to try and maintain that just in case I do have to kick during the game."
Hampton won't be the only one under pressure, and he is confident Morgan will step up his performance after struggling in the opening rounds of the season.
"'Morgs' has been pretty good [in training] this whole year but he's been really good this week with his talk and leading us around the park and he's going to do that for us again come the game this weekend," Hampton said.
"He is pretty hard on himself… He's definitely stepped up to the role and he's taking charge."
