He’s only just re-signed with the Brisbane Broncos for 2026, but Kobe Hetherington has firmed considerably to be a member of the inaugural Perth Bears squad under head coach Mal Meninga.
The reason lies in the utility forward’s decision to take a one-year deal at Red Hill rather than accept the two-year contract put on the table by David Donaghy, Michael Maguire and Co.
With the Perth Bears entering the NRL competition in 2027, it’s a given the new club will be extremely active in the contract market from November 1 this year, so a one-year extension makes complete sense for a player like Hetherington.
Speaking to The Courier Mail, Hetherington’s manager Chris Haddad confirmed they were delighted with a short-term deal.
“It’s a great result,” Haddad explained.
“Kobe is happy at the Broncos, so we were happy to extend for one year and we’ll see what happens after that.”
Known for his power, passion and tireless work ethic, Hetherington will hold plenty of appeal for the Perth Bears, particularly based on the model so successfully used by the Dolphins ahead of their entry into the NRL in 2023.
Since being graded by the Broncos in 2021, the 26-year-old has proven to be a key member of the Brisbane squad under both current head coach Michael Maguire and also his predecessor, Kevin Walters.
The son of former Queensland and Australian hooker Jason Hetherington, Kobe has featured in all 17 games for the Broncos in the 2025 season, starting in 13.
- Hetherington currently sits on 95 NRL games and, injuries aside, should reach his 100-game milestone before the 2025 final series.
