A Rising Star in the Spotlight
Kobe Hetherington, a prop for Manly, has been praised by former Queensland forward Corey Parker as “made for Origin.” Parker believes Hetherington would be an ideal addition to the Maroons’ bench. With regular forward Pat Carrigan sidelined due to an ankle injury, and selectors considering bench rotations for the second State of Origin clash in Melbourne, Hetherington has the support of 19-game Queensland forward Parker for a potential debut.
Parker, known for his media roles, included Hetherington in his team on an extended bench for Queensland ahead of the first State of Origin showdown in Sydney, which was won by NSW with a score of 22-20.
“I had him there because the traits he displays every week are exactly what you need in Origin,” Parker told AAP. “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.”
Hetherington, starting front-row for Manly, has been performing exceptionally well recently. Parker highlighted his tenacity, noting that he has good leg speed and fits the Origin bill of someone who could fulfill that role off the bench for Queensland.
A Proven Big Game Player
Hetherington has proven himself as a big game player. His winning grand final performance last year for Brisbane, where he scored two torn meniscus in each knee and two groin injuries, is legendary. He made a powerful surge before Reece Walsh’s crucial first half try in a stunning display after playing with the two injured knees for 10 weeks.
After two groin and two knee surgeries during the off-season, the 27-year-old Hetherington has been a key player in Manly’s rise up the ladder. Hetherington thrives in the rough and tumble style of footy that is Origin, and Parker said those characteristics have caught the attention of the Maroons’ hierarchy.
“I don’t think he’s forgotten by the selectors or (coach) Billy Slater,” Parker said. “They would be keeping a close eye on him and a lot of other players. Without a hesitation in the world, I think he would do a job every day of the week.”
The Manager’s Perspective
Hetherington’s manager, Chris Haddad, said his client is thriving under the coaching of Kieran Foran, who has given him a simple role and a bucketload of confidence to get the job done. The Manly forward played his juniors at five-eighth through until his late teens before moving to hooker and then into the middle, in a similar journey to current Maroons lock Max Plath.
Haddad said Hetherington offers plenty. “Kobe has the ball skills of a half, the speed of an outside back, and can play any position in the forwards,” Haddad told AAP. “He’s made for Origin.”
Hetherington will line up for Manly against South Sydney on Thursday night, when he’ll make one last claim for an Origin spot.
