Manly recruit Kobe Hetherington has undergone four surgeries since helping the Broncos to grand final glory four months ago – but has vowed to be fit for round one of the 2026 season.
Hetherington tore the meniscus in both his knees a month before the finals, and was advised by Brisbane’s medical staff to go under the knife then.
But the tough forward knew that would end his dreams of emulating his dad and former Bulldogs hooker Jason Hetherington’s feat of winning a premiership, so he chose to play on in pain into September and the first weekend of October.
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Adding to his woes, he tore both his groins on the way to the grand final against the Storm – but still refused to stand down.
Remarkably, the 26-year-old Hetherington was the only Bronco to play in every game last year despite the pain, winning a rich four-year deal with Manly for his troubles.
Kobe Hetherington at Manly training. Manly Sea Eagles/Twitter
With the aid of painkilling injections most weeks, he somehow got through games – and got the grand final ring he richly deserved.
After a few days of celebrating with his teammates, Hetherington began the long road to recovery with surgery after surgery on the two groins and two meniscuses.
He returned to training last month but was restricted to upper body work in the gym and will start running tentatively in coming weeks and hopes to charge onto Brookvale Oval with his new teammates for the opening game of the year against Canberra on March 7.
“He’s an incredibly brave, tough kid and his determination has been an inspiration to the whole group,” a Sea Eagles insider told Wide World of Sports.
“Kobe had a tough time last year but finished up with a premiership and it’s a great lesson in bravery and resilience.”
EELS UNEARTH STERLO 2.0
Parramatta fans have been crying out for a new Sterlo at halfback since they won four premierships with Peter Sterling calling the shots in the 1980s.
Now they have the next best thing – a half called Stirling!
Parramatta legend Peter Sterling during his time working for Nine. NRL Photos
This week, a promising 18-year-old halfback from the Tigers – Stirling Mataniu Faumui – signed with the Eels on a two-year deal.
The youngster, quick on his feet and with a good footy brain, will start his Parramatta journey in the SG Ball Cup this season.
With a name like that, is he the man to help break the club’s long premiership drought?
Time will tell…
DOLPHINS LOCK IN CROSS-CODE TALENT
The Dolphins have beaten several clubs to sign a rising Kiwi rugby union talent.
Mason Lome-Hindle from Dunedin has joined the Dolphins on a reserve grade contract but is tipped to push towards the NRL in the next 18 months.
Lome-Hindle played representative rugby and was also a member of the Warriors’ SG Ball team last season.
The outside back was player of the tournament at the Kiwi national nines in 2024 and union officials weren’t happy to lose him.
BEARS LAND CLASSY TEENAGER
Mal Meninga with WA Premier Roger Cook. Getty
Perth Bears have struck again, signing boom young Ipswich centre Tyrell Lacey to a three-year deal.
Just 17 years of age, Lacey has been playing above his age for the past couple of seasons and was in hot demand from several clubs including the Cowboys.
But the Bears, who have a junior academy in Queensland, got his signature and will play the youngster at Easts Tigers for the next two seasons.
From there, he could make the long trip west if he continues to improve and make a bid for the Bears’ NRL squad.