The news was only confirmed by the Sea Eagles on Tuesday.
Kobe Hetherington announced last month that he was leaving the Broncos to join the Manly Sea Eagles in 2026. But it was only on Tuesday that Manly actually confirmed the signing, leaving Broncos fans heartbroken even though they knew the news was coming.
Hetherington, who was instrumental off the bench in the NRL grand final against Melbourne, had originally agreed to a new one-year deal with Brisbane. However he asked the Broncos for a release so he could follow his girlfriend to Sydney after she landed a new job there.
Brisbane were good enough to oblige and reneged on their agreement, and Hetherington revealed he’s heading to Manly next year. But it took until Tuesday for the Sea Eagles to announce the deal officially and confirm a four-year contract for Hetherington.
Manly coach Anthony Seibold, who previously worked with Hetherington in Brisbane, said in a statement: “Kobe is a player I know well having coached him previously. He’s a tough country-bred kid who has played over 100 NRL games and has won a premiership.
“He displays all the defensive qualities we value in a player and has a tough edge to his game. He trains hard and is of great character. He’s taken his game to a high level of consistency after transitioning from hooker to middle forward. Kobe’s work rate will complement the power players in our pack like Haumole (Olakau’atu), Taniela (Paseka) and Bully (Ethan Bullemor).”
Hetherington said on Tuesday: “This is a really exciting move for me and my partner, and we can’t wait to get settled on the Northern Beaches. Manly has such a rich and successful history and I’m thrilled to be joining such a great club. I look forward to meeting my new teammates when I arrive for pre-season training in December.”
Broncos fans knew it was coming, but it didn’t make it any less painful when confirmed on Tuesday. One person wrote on social media: “He grew on me so much throughout the season. I will miss you Kobe.” Another wrote: “I’m sad, I really like Kobe. Work ethic is phenomenal and he’ll tackle everything and anything. Look after him. All the best, Kobe.”
Kobe Hetherington delayed surgery to help Broncos win
Speaking after the grand final, Hetherington revealed he played the last couple of months of the season with two busted knees that both require surgery. The back-rower made a brilliant run at the end of the first half that skittled the Storm defenders and set up Reece Walsh’s stunning solo try on the next set.
“I have got two torn meniscuses in both my knees,” he told AAP after the game. “I did the injury 10 weeks ago. I just knew we were building to something special so I didn’t want to get surgery. I wanted to play on with my brothers and it was the best decision I have ever made. I have put surgery back another two weeks now because I am going to drink piss for the next two weeks.
“The Broncos mean a lot to me. It is going to be a hard day when I clean my locker out. I’m not talking about next year. I am just going to enjoy this with my brothers. How good is it? I am just happy for all the boys. I can’t believe it. I will be celebrating for the next couple of weeks.”
His decision to leave has also allowed the Broncos to re-sign Corey Jensen, Cory Paix and Jack Gosiewski, as it freed up enough cash for the club to keep them.
