Contract signed: Official! Dave Donaghy golden shark has finally occupied the gap” as terrible rumors ends in the locker room..

Contract signed: Official! Dave Donaghy golden shark has finally occupied the gap” as terrible rumors ends in the locker room..

Brisbane forward Kobe Hetherington has shown his loyalty and faith in himself and the Broncos by knocking back a lucrative three-year deal from the Manly Sea Eagles, choosing instead to remain in Brisbane until at least the end of the 2026 NRL season.

The 25-year-old middle forward has been a dependable figure in the Broncos’ pack since his debut in 2021, earning respect for his hard-nosed defensive efforts and ability to inject energy from the bench. Hetherington’s decision to stay with the Broncos comes at a critical juncture for the club as it continues to balance its roster under the salary cap while aiming to remain a premiership contender.

“It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the right one for me and my family,” Hetherington said. “Manly showed strong interest, and I’m grateful for that, but I’ve backed myself to keep working hard here at the Broncos. I love this club, I love the boys, and I believe in what we’re building.”

Manly had reportedly tabled a three-year deal with more financial security, but Hetherington’s choice reflects his belief that remaining under coach Kevin Walters and alongside the current core of young stars is the best environment for his development and the team’s pursuit of sustained success.

Loyalty Amid Tough Roster Calls

The Broncos have faced significant challenges in recent months balancing player retention with the need to remain under a tight salary cap, with the club already managing the long-term deals of Reece Walsh, Payne Haas, and Patrick Carrigan. The decision to re-sign Hetherington signals the club’s trust in his role as a reliable forward capable of stepping up during the Origin period and providing stability through the middle.

Coach Kevin Walters praised Hetherington’s commitment, stating:

“Kobe is exactly the type of player we want here at the Broncos. He’s tough, he’s consistent, and he never takes a backward step. We’ve seen his growth over the last few years, and to have him commit to us again shows his faith in the group and in himself.”

A Season of Resilience

Hetherington’s 2025 season has been emblematic of his no-nonsense approach. Despite the Broncos enduring an up-and-down campaign, the forward has continued to provide impact off the bench, often lifting the side with his defensive intensity and willingness to take on bigger middle forwards.

This year, Hetherington has averaged 25 tackles per game and over 80 running metres in limited minutes, earning praise from teammates and coaches for his work ethic and his refusal to cut corners in preparation.

His re-signing comes as the Broncos prepare for a crucial final stretch of the season, with the club aiming to cement a top-four finish despite heavy competition in a tight NRL ladder.

Family Legacy, Personal Drive

Kobe Hetherington is the son of former Queensland Origin player Jason Hetherington, and his competitive spirit is often noted as one of his standout traits. Despite offers that would have provided greater long-term financial security, Hetherington believes betting on himself within the Brisbane system will pay off in the long run.

“I’ve grown up around footy, and Dad always taught me to back myself and not take shortcuts,” Hetherington said. “I know if I keep putting in the work here, the rewards will come, and I can help the Broncos win a comp, which is my ultimate goal.”

Focus on Team Success

While Hetherington’s future is now settled, the forward has reiterated that his focus is solely on helping the Broncos finish strong in 2025.

“Now that it’s done, I can focus fully on footy. We have a group that can do something special this year, and I want to be part of it,” Hetherington said.

The Broncos will now turn their attention to further retention decisions as they continue to build for the future while maintaining a roster capable of challenging for titles. With Hetherington locked in, the club has secured another key piece of its pack as it eyes a return to the NRL Grand Final after last season’s heartbreak.

For Hetherington, the decision to stay in Brisbane was about more than a contract—it was about belief in the club, belief in the journey, and belief in himself.

“Brisbane is home,” Hetherington said simply. “And I’m here to help bring a premiership back to the Broncos.”