Brisbane Broncos set to retain Kobe Hetherington after Michael Maguire intervention

Michael Maguire has made his first big call as Broncos coach, pulling the handbrake on a Kevin Walters-era roster cleanout.

Kobe Hetherington. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Michael Maguire has made his first big call as Broncos coach after informing forward Kobe Hetherington he wants to keep him in Brisbane.

Hetherington was given permission to explore options at rival clubs in July by former coach Kevin Walters after struggling to secure a starting spot at Red Hill.

Four clubs, including Wests Tigers, expressed interest in the hard-hitting middle, who has amassed 78 NRL appearances for Brisbane since his 2021 debut.

Hetherington, 25, was tipped to depart the Broncos if the club could secure a suitable replacement.

However that may no longer be the case following the departure of Walters a fortnight ago.

One of the first things Maguire did after being appointed Walters’ successor on a three-year contract last week was call Hetherington.

“He called me last week and I spoke to him for the first time,” Hetherington said after being selected in Australia’s Prime Minister’s XIII.

“He seems like a good fella.

“He’s come out and said he wants me to stay.

Kobe Hetherington. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“I was contracted until next year anyway. At this stage I think I’m staying.

“I never want to leave the Broncos. I’ve been there for seven years and it’s all I really know.

“I live and breathe the Broncos.”

Hetherington is contracted to the Broncos until the end of 2025, but the club was willing to release him if he could secure a longer-term deal.

However Maguire has recognised Hetherington’s no-frills style and tough pedigree – being the son of former Maroons bruiser Jason Hetherington – may be just what the Broncos need to bounce back from this year’s 12th-place crash.

Hetherington said he was looking forward to starting pre-season training next week under renowned taskmaster Maguire, who has coached some of his PM’s teammates.

“I think we’re in for a bit of a tough pre-season so we’ll see how we go,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to it. I can’t wait.

“A few of the boys around here that have had him are scaring me a bit. It should be good.”

Hetherington has only had sporadic starting opportunities given he is stuck behind Kangaroos star Pat Carrigan in the No. 13 pecking order at the Broncos.

He still has ambitions to become a regular starting player and hopes he can prove to Maguire he is worthy of a spot next year.

“At the end of the day it’s on me. I need to have a big pre-season and come out fit,” he said.

“If I do all the right things, I think I’ll get a good shot at it.

“I need to go out there and prove I’m a starting player.

“It’s still my goal. I don’t want to be a bench player my whole life.

Michael Maguire has told Hetherington he is in his Red Hill plans. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“I need to have a big pre-season, work hard and hopefully get the call to start.”

Hetherington’s manager Chris Haddad said he was seeking clarity from Maguire over his plans.

“I have to see Madge and Simon Scanlan (Broncos recruitment chief) in the next week or two, we’ll meet and take it from there,” Haddad said.

“We haven’t asked for a release, but we have permission to talk.

“There’s still a lot of interest around in Kobe, but I’ll see what they have to say first.

“Kevvie liked him, too, but we need to see what role he plays next year.

“Every player wants to be in the starting side. He’s no different to any other player.

“Everything is still up in the air. I’ll talk to Madge and see what his plans are for Kobe.”

Originally published as Brisbane Broncos set to retain Kobe Hetherington after Michael Maguire intervention