Kobe Hetherington went from the Broncos’ scrapheap to the focal point of coach Michael Maguire’s plans, and it could spark a shock positional switch for one of the club’s biggest stars.
A lock who prides himself on performing the tough stuff that comes with life in the NRL, Hetherington was reportedly given Brisbane’s blessing to explore his options for 2025, before an eleventh-hour U-turn upon Maguire’s arrival at Red Hill.
Hetherington has made no secret of his desire to earn a starting spot, but is stuck behind State of Origin and Kangaroos sensation Pat Carrigan.
However, Maguire shut down any move and reportedly reassured the 25-year-old he was part of his plans, having displayed the gritty persona the incoming mentor adores in a player.
And it could spell the end of Carrigan’s mortgage on the No.13 jumper.
The Broncos’ skipper-in-waiting was used at prop in the Pacific Championships, and a shift up front could ease the pressure on young middles Xavier Willison and Ben Te Kura as they develop.
While a Carrigan move is no sure thing, Hetherington’s most viable avenue into the starting team will be as a middle forward, despite being a back-row option.
“That’s my goal and what I am trying to do this preseason. I just have to keep training hard and stay injury free, but I have got to give myself every opportunity to get that jersey,” Hetherington said, when asked if he intended to claim the lock duties.
“It’s always good to know people want you, and it raises your confidence. I never really wanted to leave here, I’ve only ever been at this club since I was straight out of school.
“I don’t want to talk myself up too much, but I’d like to think I play a tough brand of foot. I rely on my defensive side of things … [and] I could play on the edge if Madge needed me to.
“It’s a big challenge, but I’m up for it.”
The Broncos’ return to preseason this week from the Christmas break has coincided with the comeback for Ezra Mam, who conducted his first training session since being hit with a nine-game suspension after being charged with driving without a licence and with drugs in his system.
Marquee recruit Ben Hunt has also launched his Red Hill homecoming, in a crucial injection of experience which the club lacked in 2024.
Hunt, who is expected to play five-eighth in Mam’s absence, will be tasked with simplifying each players’ role alongside Adam Reynolds in the same way which proved so successful for the latter in 2023.
Hetherington declared Hunt’s leadership had already been “unreal” for the young squad, while the club had rallied around Mam as he sought to better himself from his misgivings at the end of last year.
“Everyone is old enough to know it’s the wrong thing to do, everyone knows what’s right and wrong – it’s on them if they do it,” Hetherington said.
“His spirits have been good, everyone is getting around him. He is like a brother to me and the rest of the boys, I’ve always got Ezra’s back, all of us have.”
Sydney Morning Herald
