QRL expresses appreciation to Jason Hetherington

The Queensland Rugby League wishes to acknowledge the contribution of Jason Hetherington to the Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons program.

Hetherington told NRL.com last night he would not re-apply for the expanded position advertised by the QRL last week after three years in the role.

"It was a privilege and honour to help get the win last year as a collective group of 30, from the players to the coaching and support staff, and after three years of hard work,” Hetherington said.

"I'm confident the girls coming through understand Origin, what the week is about and what it means to put that jersey on.

"It’s certainly been made tough for me to (reapply). I work full-time, run my own business and have got dad with the cattle farm."

The QRL has already fielded numerous applications for the role, which has been expanded to include work across a multifaceted program.

The successful applicant will be actively involved with the clubs participating in the BHP Premiership, with eligible players able to put their best foot forward for state selection when the statewide competition kicks off in April. 

The Maroons will play New South Wales later this year and will be aiming for back-to-back Origin wins for the first time. 

Hetherington, a former NRL hooker who also represented Queensland and Australia, last year guided the Maroons to a breakthrough win over NSW.

Hetherington selected seven debutants for the match as the Maroons ran over the top of NSW to score an impressive 24-18 victory at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

The spirited performance captured the imagination of the 5000 fans at the ground, as well as more than half a million television viewers.

QRL managing director Robert Moore said it was a performance that all Queensland fans could be proud of.

“It was an exceptional effort by the team and Jason deserves credit for the way he managed his players and staff during the camp bubble,” Moore said.

“Jason has always been a proud Queenslander who understands what Origin means to the players and the people of Queensland, and as such it was no surprise that his teams aimed up each year.

“His work over the past three years has placed our program in a position of strength and we wish him well in his future rugby league endeavours.”