Corey Parker Supports Kobe Hetherington for State of Origin Call-Up
Corey Parker, a former Broncos premiership winner, has expressed his belief that Manly prop Kobe Hetherington is well-suited for the State of Origin arena. This comes after Parker floated Hetherington as a potential replacement for Patrick Carrigan in the Maroons squad. Carrigan is expected to miss at least three weeks due to a syndesmosis injury, making it unlikely for him to play in Origin 2 for Queensland.
This situation opens the door for several candidates to step up and make their mark in Billy Slater’s Maroons squad for the crucial showdown against the Blues at the MCG. Among the most likely options is Dolphins edge forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, who was the 20th man for the Origin opener. Other frontrunners include teammate Tom Gilbert and Cowboys back-rower Heilum Luki.
Parker, who played 19 Origin games for Queensland, believes Hetherington’s style is perfectly suited for the Origin arena. The tenacious and hard-running middle forward was used off the bench by Broncos coach Michael Maguire during their premiership triumph last year. Additionally, Hetherington has been in excellent form starting at prop for the high-flying Sea Eagles over the last month.
Parker selected Hetherington for his extended Maroons bench ahead of Game 1 and insists the 27-year-old would do a job off the bench for Slater in Game 2. “I had him there because the traits he displays every week are exactly what you need in Origin,” Parker said to AAP about Hetherington.
“I don’t mean the big name. You need someone who is willing to get down and dirty defensively and compete hard, and that is exactly what he does. Kobe is starting front-row for Manly and they are travelling great at the moment. It is just his tenacity. He has got good leg speed and fits the Origin bill of somebody who could fulfil that role off the bench for Queensland.”
Hetherington’s Toughness and Resilience
Hetherington’s toughness cannot be understated, as he played in Brisbane’s grand final win with two torn meniscus in each knee and two groin injuries. He underwent multiple surgeries in the off-season and has proven to be an astute pick-up for the Sea Eagles after becoming a key component in newly appointed head coach Kieran Foran’s Manly side.
The workhorse forward has been thriving under the guidance of Foran, who has simplified Hetherington’s role and instilled confidence in the 27-year-old—much like the rest of the Sea Eagles playing group. Parker says while Hetherington may not be the biggest name or the flashiest of candidates at Slater’s disposal, his willingness to do the hard and less glamorous work should put him right in the frame for Origin.
“They would be keeping a close eye on him and a lot of other players,” Parker said about Queensland’s selectors. “Without a hesitation in the world I think he would do a job every day of the week.
“Those who know Kobe and who have been around him and played with him will all vouch for him. We like to get caught up with how big someone is, what their name is, and their untapped potential as opposed to what they are doing week in and week out.”
