NRL 2020: Bulldogs make big forward signing by securing services of Jack Hetherington
Incoming Bulldogs coach Trent Barrett has dipped into the burgeoning talent at his old club by landing a hard-nosed Panthers forward on a three-year deal.
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The Bulldogs have brought mongrel to their forward pack for 2021 by securing hard-nosed forward Jack Hetherington.
The Penrith forward has signed a two-year deal with an option for a third year to link with incoming coach Trent Barrett at Canterbury after successfully securing a release from the Panthers.
Hetherington, 24, was on contract with Penrith until the end of 2021, but the Panthers are happy to contribute part of his salary in his first season at the Dogs in order to alleviate salary cap pressure.
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The Panthers stressed cap and struggle to retain 11 soon-to-be off-contract players has also forced the departure of fullback Caleb Aekins to Canberra from next season.
Securing Hetherington is a major scalp for Barrett who suddenly has a formidable forward pack at his disposal including Luke Thompson, Josh Jackson, Adam Elliott, Dylan Napa, Corey Waddell, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Joe Stimson and Dean Britt.
The Dogs spent the last 24 hours finalising their offer for the son of former Canberra premiership-winning prop Brett Hetherington.
A major area of focus for Barrett will be forcing Hetherington to focus on his discipline.
Hetherington has managed a total of just 23 games since making his NRL debut in 2018 due to five suspensions.
Playing two and six games for Penrith and on loan with the Warriors respectively this season, Hetherington created headlines mid-year after a running battle with Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
Waerea-Hargreaves appeared to knock back Hetherington’s offer of a post-game handshake.
As the current assistant coach of Penrith, Barrett has an understanding of Hetherington’s game and why he believes he can be an asset to the Dogs.