NRL 2025: Kobe Hetherington staying with Broncos after crisis talks with Michael Maguire

Rival clubs have missed out on a key forward, with a Broncos star set to stay in Brisbane after crisis talks with Michael Maguire, despite earlier being told he was free to look elsewhere.

Kobe Hetherington will stay at the Broncos in 2025, after coach Michael Maguire ruled out a release for the rising forward. Picture: Getty Images

Kobe Hetherington is staying at Brisbane after new Broncos coach Michael Maguire ruled out a release following urgent talks on Friday night.

This masthead can reveal the hard-hitting forward will be in Broncos colours next season with Maguire adamant the son of Queensland legend Jason Hetherington has a role to play in 2025.

There were fears Hetherington could quit the Broncos after his management were given permission to test the open market in September by Brisbane recruitment chiefs.

Off-contract at the end of next season, Hetherington officially became a free agent from November 1 and has attracted interest from Wests Tigers and St George Illawarra.

Kobe Hetherington will stay at the Broncos in 2025, after coach Michael Maguire ruled out a release for the rising forward. Picture: Getty Images

Hetherington was given permission to talk to rival clubs at a time when Kevin Walters was coach and his subsequent departure added to the forward’s uncertain future at Red Hill.

The 25-year-old’s agent Chris Haddad flew to Brisbane on Friday for a face-to-face meeting with Maguire to assess whether Hetherington was surplus to requirements under his new regime.

But Maguire made it clear he had a high opinion of Hetherington and had no plans to release the Queensland Origin hopeful, who has impressed with his defensive toughness off interchange.

Hetherington’s preference is to stay at the Broncos, but he has faced a longer-term conundrum as he seeks more game time battling Pat Carrigan for the No.13 jumper.

Hetherington also has the ability to play back row and under Maguire, he could enjoy more minutes in a dual role shifting between the edge and the midfield.

One of the code’s hardest hitters likened in style to Trevor ‘The Axe’ Gillmeister, Hetherington was selected for Australia’s Prime Minister’s XIII last month, further evidence of his growth in the code.

Hetherington was selected for Australia’s Prime Minister's XIII team in October. Picture: Getty Images

Carrigan will remain as Brisbane’s first-choice lock but Hetherington has a golden chance to impress Maguire in 2025.

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

“He seems like a good fella.

“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.”

Haddad last week revealed that Hetherington was a “50-50” chance of leaving the Broncos, but Maguire needs forward depth following the loss of Kurt Capewell, Keenan Palasia and Tom Flegler last season.

Hetherington still faces a conundrum, as he seeks more game time battling Pat Carrigan for the No.13 jumper. Picture: Getty Images

The Tigers and Dragons had not tabled offers for Hetherington but were ready to begin negotiations if he was given a release by the Broncos.

Whether Hetherington is prepared to remain on the bench for the long term at Brisbane is the vexing question and he may explore his options again next year if he fails to receive more game time.

Carrigan is being groomed for the captaincy at the Broncos and Hetherington said last year he had no personal issue with his vice-skipper.

“I know Patty Carrigan is there but it’s good having competition in a position,” he said.

“Patty teaches me stuff and I feel we have a healthy competition.

“Obviously I want to be the starting No.13, so I will try and have a good pre-season and keep pushing each other.

“I’ve set myself a couple of goals and a big one for me is to eventually play for Queensland, whether it’s next year or in the future.”