Tough and hard-working forward Kobe Hetherington has extended his stay with the Brisbane Broncos for another two seasons.
The 22-year-old who made his NRL debut in the upset win over the Roosters at the SCG earlier this season has signed a contract extension to the end of 2023.
The Rockhampton product played Queensland Under 20s in 2019 and has played Intrust Super Cup for Norths Devils and Souths Logan Magpies over recent seasons before getting his first crack at the NRL in Round 11.
In choosing to remain a Bronco, Hetherington joins Kotoni Staggs, Jordan Riki, David Mead and exciting youngsters Brendan Piakura, Teui “TC” Robati and Selwyn Cobbo – as well as new signings for 2022 Adam Reynolds, Kurt Capewell and Brenko Lee – who have all committed to the Club in recent months. That core of long-term loyal Broncos also includes Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan, Herbie Farnworth, Tom Flegler and Ethan Bullemor.
The son of former Bulldogs, Seagulls, Queensland and Kangaroo hooker Jason Hetherington, Kobe earned his NRL debut off the back of outstanding form for the Broncos Affiliate Magpies in the opening two months of the Intrust Super Cup.
Playing at lock, he averaged 140 run metres, 53 post-contact metres and 31 tackles per game, as well as crossing for five tries, and making 21 tackle busts across his six ISC games in 2021.
He continued his strong showings so far in his five NRL appearances, with robust defence, high workrate and as well as barging across for a maiden NRL try at Suncorp Stadium against the Storm in Round 12.
Broncos Coach Kevin Walters said: “Kobe is a player of strong character that suits the type of person we need to have on our roster – he’s honest & hardworking and is well respected at our club.”
Teammate Jake Turpin said of Hetherington: “Kobe is one of those players who if he is next to you, then you know that he’s not going to let you down. He’s tough as nails and he puts everything on the line with each and every run and each and every tackle.”
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