NRL transfer news 2024: Broncos star Kobe Hetherington given permission to negotiate with rival clubs

A Broncos star has been given permission to negotiate with rivals clubs as the club comes under pressure to shake up their roster after a disastrous premiership campaign.

Broncos star Kobe Hetherington has been given permission to negotiate with rival clubs. Picture: Tertius Pickard

Brisbane hit man Kobe Hetherington has been given permission to negotiate with rival clubs as the Broncos come under pressure to shake up their roster following their season of disaster.

This masthead can reveal Hetherington is weighing up quitting the Broncos and has become one of the most sought-after players in the code with five NRL rivals chasing his signature.

One of the code’s hardest hitters likened in style to Trevor ‘The Axe’ Gillmeister, Hetherington is off-contract at the end of 2025, leaving him open to free agency from November 1.

But the Broncos have given the green light for the son of Queensland Origin legend Jason Hetherington to source offers immediately ahead of Thursday night’s final-round clash against the Storm at Suncorp Stadium.

Broncos star Kobe Hetherington has been given permission to negotiate with rival clubs. Picture: Getty Images

Hetherington has no issue with coach Kevin Walters and his preference is to stay at the Broncos, but he is resigned to being stuck on the interchange bench behind star lock Pat Carrigan.

That has prompted Hetherington to consider his future at Red Hill, with a number of NRL suitors, including the Wests Tigers, expressing interest in the 25-year-old.

Hetherington’s manager Chris Haddad confirmed he has approached Broncos bosses asking for permission to test the market in a sign the Queensland Origin hopeful may not be at Brisbane in 2025.

“I’ve spoken to the Broncos and they have given us permission to talk to other clubs,” Haddad said.

“There’s no issue at all with ‘Kevvie’ (coach Walters).

“Kobe likes Kevvie and respects him as a coach.

“Kobe loves the Broncos and ideally he doesn’t want to leave, but he understands it’s hard to get a starting spot at the Broncos with the roster they have.”

Hetherington insists there is no issue with Broncos coach Kevin Walters (right). Picture: NRL Imagery

Walters pledged to put the composition of Brisbane’s 30-man full-time roster under the microscope after the Broncos – last year’s grand finalists – bombed out of finals contention following their dismal 40-6 loss to the Dolphins last Saturday night.

The loss of Hetherington would be a blow to Brisbane’s depth. He played 22 consecutive games for the Broncos this year and was a member of Brisbane’s 17-man squad in their grand-final loss to the Panthers last season.

But Hetherington believes he is ready to be a starting NRL player. The veteran of 77 first-grade games has started three times this year, playing the full 80 minutes just once against the Warriors in round 17.

Hetherington would like to stay at the Broncos but is stuck behind star lock Pat Carrigan. Picture: Getty Images

With Carrigan being groomed to be Brisbane’s next captain, Hetherington risks languishing on the bench at the Broncos.

The Broncos are open to Hetherington leaving – on the condition they can secure a player of equal quality.

Queensland Origin firebrand Corey Horsburgh toured the Broncos a fortnight ago, but whether Brisbane can afford to buy out Horsburgh’s $1.7 million Canberra deal remains to be seen.

Horsburgh is on around $550,000 a season and also has interest from the Tigers, whose coach Benji Marshall met with the hardworking Raiders forward last week.

Haddad said while Hetherington is happy to honour his Broncos deal, he had no shortage of options.

Corey Horsburgh has visited Red Hill in recent weeks. Picture: Getty Images

“The Broncos are reluctant to release Kobe but they will for 2025 if they can find a replacement player,” Haddad said.

“I think he deserves a starting spot. He has played nearly 80 first-grade games since 2021 and is one of the best defensive players in the game.

“Kobe has interest from five NRL clubs, including the Tigers.

“A number of clubs are keen but they said they will start talking with us once they have worked out their rosters for next year.

“The Tigers aren’t the only club keen on Kobe.”

Originally published as NRL transfer news 2024: Broncos star Kobe Hetherington given permission to negotiate with rival clubs