League legend Jason Hetherington’s grand final advice for son Kobe Hetherington

Hard-as-nails hooker Jason Hetherington played in three NRL grand finals, winning one. Now he’s preparing to watch his son Kobe play his first for the Brisbane Broncos.

Baralaba's rugby league father and son Jason and Kobe Hetherington.

Central Queensland rugby league legend Jason Hetherington had some sage advice for son Kobe as he prepared for his first NRL grand final on Sunday.

“Enjoy it, embrace it, take your opportunities and come off the field with nothing left in the tank,” he said.

It’s wise counsel from one who knows.

A hard-as-nails hooker, Jason played in three grand finals with the Canterbury Bulldogs, winning the second of them in 1995.

Ironically, the Bulldogs were beaten in the third by a Broncos line-up that included Kevin Walters and Allan ‘Alfie’ Langer, who are now the club’s head coach and trainer.

Jason Hetherington played 118 games for the Canterbury Bulldogs, winning an NRL grand final in 1995. Pic Scott Hornby. Rugby League A/CT

Twenty-five years on and Jason will be willing the Broncos to victory when they take on minor premiers Penrith in Sunday’s decider at Sydney’s Accor Stadium.

The Broncos are looking to break a 17-year premiership drought, while the Panthers are eyeing an historic three-peat.

Hard-running lock Kobe, 24, will come off the bench in what will be his 55th appearance for the Broncos.

He is back to his barnstorming best, having missed the opening rounds of the season after undergoing surgery on a ruptured bicep suffered during pre-season training in December.

Kobe Hetherington has been a consistent performer for the Broncos. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

Jason said Kobe’s ability to bounce back was testament to his character.

“Like I said to him, it’s all a learning process. It teaches you discipline and how to be really professional when you‘re recovering from injuries,” he said.

“He’s worked really hard and been really patient and now the rewards are coming.”

Kobe won’t be the only Central Queenslander in action on grand final day.

Star fullback Tamika Upton will be an integral part of the Newcastle Knights’ bid for back-to-back NRLW titles when they tackle the Titans at 2.55pm.

Tamika Upton has been a standout for the Newcastle Knights again in 2023. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)

The 26-year-old won the NRLW Dally M Medal this week and will be looking to cap another exceptional season with a fourth premiership.

Tamika’s family will be among the sellout crowd, as will Kobe’s, with Jason saying they would not have missed it and will cherish every minute.

“We’re all excited and all very proud, obviously,” he said.

The 201-game veteran Corey Oates is definitely the hard luck story of the Broncos 2023 campaign, named 18th man after a season beset with injury.

Jason played for his state and country but said winning a grand final was the “pinnacle” of a rugby league career.

Jason Hetherington played eight games for the Maroons. Pic Gregg Porteous. Rugby League A/CT

“To play for Australia is the highest honour but when it’s all done and dusted, you tend to reflect on grand final success because you all have a common goal as mates, as a team and as a club to get the prize at the end of the day,” he said.

“It’s a special moment, a grand final. It’s 26 weeks of blood, sweat and tears to get to this one point.

“When you think about it, there’s been some wonderful players who have never had the opportunity to play in a grand final, let alone win one.”

Jason said making a grand final in just his third season in the NRL was a dream come true for Kobe, whose footy journey started with the Baralaba Panthers at age five.

RUGBY LEAGUE: Brother's Kobe Hetherington charging through versus Gracemere, Jason Hetherington Cup (U12's League), played at Marley Brown Oval, Saturday, Photo Marcus Thomas/The Observer

“The first moment he touched a footy, he loved the game, like all kids do, but he had the talent, work ethic and toughness to be able to get through,” Jason said.

Pundits are predicting the 2023 grand final will be one for the ages and Jason agrees.

“Big games like this are won through the middle so the Broncos forwards have to take control,” he said.

“Penrith are a damn good football side so our big fellas need to get stuck right into them. They need to meet fire with fire.”

“Regardless of the result, the Broncos will do a good job. They’re a strong young outfit who will only get better with the experience but I think they’ve got enough there to win.”

The men’s grand final kicks off at 6.30pm.