It was almost two years ago when Cronulla thought Ben Hampton could be their man.Long before the Sharks had struck gold with the signings of playmakers James Maloney and Chad Townsend, the club were eyeing off Hampton as a possible solution in the halves.There was a little bit of talk there, but there was never a formal contract put through. I probably wouldve jumped at it at the time if anything had come through, Hampton told AAP.But he stayed and, despite further interest to leave Melbourne over the past year, was swayed by coach Craig Bellamy into staying following the retirement of Ryan Hinchcliffe last year.Craig spoke to me before the end of the year last year and before the pre-season of this season about that spot opening up as a utility player off the bench, Hampton said.He said Id have a real good chance and hed give me a real good crack at it. I saw that as my opportunity and I took it with both hands. I ended up playing pretty much the whole season.Now Hampton will attempt to ruin the Sharks push for a fairytale maiden premiership when he comes off the bench in Sundays NRL decider at ANZ Stadium.And in an ultimate sliding doors moment, once the 80 minutes are over, he will then be preparing for life as understudy to future Immortal Johnathan Thurston at North Queensland.Despite an opportunity to replace another departing Storm member in Blake Green, Hampton said he couldnt turn down an opportunity to move closer to home.Being from Cairns originally, I couldnt knock it back, he said.When it does all come to an end, and the games over and the celebrations are all over, itll hit me. Itll be an emotional time. This place is all I know.A premiership would certainly justify his decision to stay at the Storm, a reward for at least five years of waiting for a spot in coach Craig Bellamys top 17 - having mostly filled in for injured playmakers since making his debut in 2013, before stepping into a utility role this season. Wholesale Jerseys China .25 million option on reliever Jose Veras. Cheap Jerseys From China . The scientists believe the small earthquake during a Marshawn Lynch touchdown was likely greater than Lynchs famous "beast quake" touchdown run three years ago, which also came against New Orleans during a playoff game. https://www.wholesalejerseysaaa.com/ .ca looks back at the stories and moments that made the year memorable. Wholesale NFL Jerseys . "We have always prided ourselves on the way we play defence. Having two big pieces back is going to be a key for us moving forward for years to come," said Knighthawks head coach Mike Hasen. Wholesale Jerseys 2021 . -- Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson asked his players a simple question during Fridays morning shootaround: How many of them had ever been on a team 14 games over . SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton?says he believes he was justified in taking a 12 flag from a Seattle fan, crumpling it up and tossing it after last seasons home playoff game against the?Seahawks.Where was the flag at? Was it at our house? Newton asked after practice Thursday at San Jose State University, where the Panthers are preparing for Sunday nights game at Seattle.?Newtons response came a day after Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman?bristled in recalling Newtons move, calling it karma that the Panthers (4-7) dont appear headed for the playoffs.Its irrelevant what he says right now, Newton said. I have a lot of respect for Richard. I dont think that has nothing to do with karma that another opposing teams flag was in my stadium.Shermans comment came when he was asked by reporters in Seattle if Newton crossed the line with his gesture.Yeah, he probably did, Sherman said. I guess karma gets you. It doesnt look like youre going to be in the playoffs this year.Carolina beat Seattle twice last season, 27-23 durinng the regular season at CenturyLink Field and 31-24 in the NFC divisional playoff game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.ddddddddddddThe teams have met in the playoffs each of the past two seasons, but only Seattle (7-3-1) appears headed back this season.Newton mentioned Sherman one other time on Thursday, this during an exchange about whether he has spent time with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry during his time in California.Nunya, Newton said, seeming to imply it was none of the medias business.When asked jokingly if he might try to get Curry to play wideout for the Panthers, Newton said, Im going to try to take Richard Sherman. Just joking.Curry grew up in Charlotte and is a huge fan of the Panthers.Asked if he was going to watch Curry and the Warriors face the Houston Rockets Thursday in Oakland, Newton again said, Nunya.Newton did in fact attend the game, wearing a Warriors jacket and cap.? ' ' '