Mal Meninga reacts to Liam Hampson's death as rugby league world rallies

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has confirmed Australia will make a touching gesture for 24-year-old Liam Hampson after his tragic death in Barcelona.

Hampson's body was found by police in Apolo nightclub on Thursday morning (AEST) after he went missing on an end-of-season trip.

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The 24 year-old Redcliffe Dolphins player had been on holiday with a group of NRL players including Gold Coast Titans star AJ Brimson and the Brisbane Broncos' Jordan Riki and Jesse Arthars.

Hampson's tragic death has rocked the rugby league community with a GoFundMe page started to help the family pay to bring his body back to Australia.

And following his death, Kangaroos coach Meninga has addressed the tragic news that has rocked Australian rugby league.

The Kangaroos will wear black armbands to honour Hampson during their match against Scotland on Saturday morning (AEST), according to Channel Nine reporter Emma Lawrence.

Meninga also paid tribute to the family and said the Kangaroos "will be playing for the Hampson family" in their next match.

NRL world rallies behind Liam Hampson

Broncos star Riki took to Instagram after the devastating news on Thursday and poured his heart out after losing his good friend.

“I love you my brother you beautiful soul, I’m so sorry,” Riki wrote on Instagram.

“Can’t put into words how I’m feeling. Love you bro. I’m so sorry.

“Please know I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped to find our boy words can’t express how grateful I am for you guys,”

“Everyone who reached out and posted on your socials and asked for your family/friends to help thank you so much ... RIP my beautiful brother.”

The Broncos star also started a GoFundMe page for his friend's family.

Riki aimed to raise $50,000 to help support the family bring Hampson's body home, but it has already reached $70,000.

“On behalf of Liam’s family and friends we would like to support his beautiful family in helping getting Liam home,” Riki wrote.

“Also supporting his family through this difficult time. As we all know Liam was a beautiful soul who brought people together with his love, wisdom and jokes.

“Liam was an outstanding talent on and off the football field if it was helping his teammates win a nail biting game or educating kids and many others on life and his wisdom. We love Liam and any donation would go a long way.”

NRL stars such as Kalyn Ponga, Taane Milne, Justin Holbrook, Alex Glenn, Reece Walsh, Anthony Don, Paul Sironen and Charlotte Caslick all helped.

Hampson's father, Brett, took to social media on Thursday morning to admit his heartbreak at the news.

"Waking up to the news no one wants to hear, we are devastated to find out that Liam had an accident and sadly has not survived," Brett Hampson wrote.

"We are heartbroken to say the least. Liam had a heart of gold and was a much loved son, brother, grandson, uncle and friend.

"Words can not express our grief."

"We can not thank his mates enough for being there with Liam having the time of his life and assisting in the search for our boy. Our thought are with them."

The family have asked for their privacy during the difficult times.

Hampson had played four years in the Queensland Cup, moving from Tweed Head Seagulls to Redcliffe at the end of 2021.

He came off the bench in last month's Queensland Cup grand final loss to Norths Devils, and was in a position to impress Wayne Bennett and the NRL's 17th franchise at the Dolphins.

with AAP

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