LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Girlfriend's Job Influences Broncos Player's Move to Manly
Changing family circumstances have prompted Kobe Hetherington to backflip on an agreement to re-sign with the Brisbane Broncos and instead move to Sydney. At 26, Hetherington had recently accepted a one-year extension with the Broncos after turning down a two-year offer.
However, it was disclosed on Monday that Brisbane agreed to let Hetherington rescind his contract to follow his girlfriend, who received a job opportunity in Sydney that she could not pass up. The hardworking forward will now join Manly on a four-year deal starting in 2026.
Hetherington's manager, Chris Haddad, indicated that the offer for his partner's job was a significant factor in Hetherington's decision to ask the Broncos to annul his new deal. The club was accommodating of his personal situation. "Kobe had agreed to terms with Brisbane but because his partner has a good job in Sydney, the Broncos were very understanding of his personal situation," Haddad noted. "We had formally signed with Brisbane; we did agree to terms and they were good enough to let Kobe go. It's a four-year deal from Manly; there's a lot more security than what he had at the Broncos so it's a good move for Kobe."
Haddad also expressed gratitude towards the Broncos: "We appreciate the Broncos for understanding things and I thank them. Kobe loves the Broncos and he is determined to win a premiership before he goes. They brought him there as a kid and now he leaves as an adult."
Hetherington has a strong rapport with Manly coach Anthony Seibold, who was in charge of the Broncos when Hetherington was advancing through the ranks. Seibold's successor, Kevin Walters, awarded Hetherington his NRL debut in 2021, after Seibold had shifted Hetherington's position from hooker to lock.
Previously, Manly had made a multi-year offer to Hetherington, which he declined. However, following the changes in his family circumstances, the Sea Eagles enhanced their proposal.