Hetherington closes in on Broncos extension after talks

Brisbane forward Kobe Hetherington has all but locked up the No.13 jersey for round one and is now in negotiations with the club for an extension.

The 25-year-old's management met with the Broncos last week. Currently off-contract at the end of the season, Hetherington's manager Chris Haddad is seeking two to three more years at a palatable price.

"I had a meeting with (Broncos recruitment chief) Simon Scanlan on Thursday and they are going to come back to me and tell me what (the offer) looks like," Haddad told AAP.

"It was a good meeting and they are very keen, but it has to be the right offer. Kobe wants to stay but he doesn't have a problem with moving as well."

Hetherington made it clear the outcome he wanted.

"I signed here as a kid straight out of school. I'd like to be here long term. It's where I want to be," he said.

If the deal gets done it will be a remarkable turnaround for Hetherington who was on the way out of Red Hill before new coach Michael Maguire signed on as head coach.

Hetherington was given permission by former coach Kevin Walters to negotiate with other clubs and he had interest from several including Wests Tigers.

Maguire took over and put a stop to any idea of him leaving and gave Hetherington the belief that he could nail down the starting position he craved.

That entailed moving Test forward Pat Carrigan from lock to prop and starting Hetherington at No.13.

Hetherington has made a wonderful fist of the task and was strong in the 30-14 trial win over Canterbury on Saturday night, where he topped the tackle count with 37 and ran with venom for 89m.

Carrigan was strong in running for 123m and the duo look like forging a bash and barge combination that could become a lethal one-two punch.

"I'd like to think so," Hetherington said.

"(Carrigan) is buying into it.

"There's not much difference between lock and front row. We work good together I like to build off him and I'd like to think he can build off me too."

Hetherington is a straight shooter from Central Queensland and was quick to sum up why he was thriving under 'Madge' Maguire.

"Everyone knows what Madge is like. He's tough. He's hard. That's how I like to play my footy," he said.

Canberra Times

 

[BroncsFan]

It's looking like Kobe could be getting back to the form he showed through 2021-2023 and if so then he is the exact type of player that every squad needs and hopefully isn't looking to break the bank.

It was great seeing him cutting blokes in half again on the weekend... he left a few guys folded over on the weekend.

I do wish that he would add the ability to play some second row just to increase his squad versatility, but if he can nail down that 13 spot it does bring a lot of balance to the 17.

 

[theshed]

Kobe has had a great run in the trials. Hopefully he continues to build on it and can get his average metres a bit higher.

One thing I’m curious about though, there was a lot of talk of cap pressure and I assumed that was a big part of wanting Kobe and Paix off the books early. Makes me wonder what has changed in that regard or what Kev was cooking up.

Since then we still haven’t lost anyone of note and have added Hunt. Maybe Cobbo is the one making room?

 

[1910]

It's looking like Kobe could be getting back to the form he showed through 2021-2023 and if so then he is the exact type of player that every squad needs and hopefully isn't looking to break the bank.

It was great seeing him cutting blokes in half again on the weekend... he left a few guys folded over on the weekend.

I do wish that he would add the ability to play some second row just to increase his squad versatility, but if he can nail down that 13 spot it does bring a lot of balance to the 17.

I think lock suits him because he can roam around, I think you take away his strength to be on the ball if he is limited to a side. When he started at Souths the first thing I noticed was if a ball was on the ground, he was first, desperate tackle he was there.

Hetherington's strength has always been to be on the ball, pop up anywhere. His first two Cup games in 2019 were at 6 so he has skills, but I think you best utilise them when you let him get around the field.

He can play like a old school lock, you don't want him being a third front row. I want him back on kicks adding some attacking shape and linking with the outside backs.

 

[Gaz]

Kobe has had a great run in the trials. Hopefully he continues to build on it and can get his average metres a bit higher.

One thing I’m curious about though, there was a lot of talk of cap pressure and I assumed that was a big part of wanting Kobe and Paix off the books early. Makes me wonder what has changed in that regard or what Kev was cooking up.

Since then we still haven’t lost anyone of note and have added Hunt. Maybe Cobbo is the one making room?

Cobbo looked unhappy during the trial v Bulldogs. Maybe your right.

 

[BroncsFan]

Cobbo looked unhappy during the trial v Bulldogs. Maybe your right.

Guys off contract next year is quite long... so there is room to juggle the cap around... I think if you're looking at middles then someone like Jensen is potentially looking over his shoulder.

BTK is looking like he's ready to make the jump to NRL... so it could come down to other guys like Semu and how he progresses in cup this year.

We have no idea what Madge's thoughts would be on Baker, but he's off contract and could be the straight cap for cap swap with Kobe... Hunt and Gos are likely bottom dollar, so if Madge sees them as first graders then there is value there.

The rise of Paix is a bit of a spanner as well... we've already got Billy, Madden and Rogers on the books for next year. Madden looks the easiest one to move on if needed, but there could've been some cap space if Paix left as well, noting Bukowski is likely in the Top 30 next year. We're probably looking at 4 hookers next year as well, but Billy can at least provide halves depth out of those 4.

Forwards:
- Corey Jensen
- Martin Taupau - May be nearing retirement, but probably a min wager
- Kobe Hetherington
- Fletcher Baker - May already be in the sun??
- Jaiyden Hunt
- Jack Gosiewski

Outside backs
- Kotoni Staggs - Apparently extended for 3 years at about $650k or so
- Selwyn Cobbo
- Delouise Hoeter
- Israel Leota
- Josiah Karapani

Halves / Hookers:
- Adam Reynolds - Potentially retiring, but money has likely gone to Walsh, Ezra or Bhunt
- Blake Mozer
- Tyson Smoothy - Heading to ESL next year
- Cory Paix

 

[Dazza 92]

My favourtie for breakout player of the season. Again, his defensive first mindset balances out the rest of the forwards well.

Our defence "needs" to dramatically improve. Kobe is the first step in the right direction for me.

 

[theshed]

My favourtie for breakout player of the season. Again, his defensive first mindset balances out the rest of the forwards well.

Our defence "needs" to dramatically improve. Kobe is the first step in the right direction for me.

I could see a world where Kobe gets an origin call up. At least extended squad

 

[Big Del]

Cobbo looked unhappy during the trial v Bulldogs. Maybe your right.

I thought I saw a smirk when he used his right hand fend .
I still don`t understand why Kevvie had him on the right stiffling his best weapon .

 

[Gaz]

I thought I saw a smirk when he used his right hand fend .
I still don`t understand why Kevvie had him on the right stiffling his best weapon .

Yes a bit of a smirk when he scored a try as well but long way from his beaming smile we are so used to. Was at the game and watched him closely. He roamed a little and tackled a bit off his wing to his credit.