Brad Fittler's huge call on Kobe Hetherington as Michael Maguire reverses Kevin Walters decision

New Prime Minister XIII coach Brad Fittler has showered Kobe Hetherington with praise having offered him a 'leading role' after new Broncos coach Michael Maguire opted to keep the forward at the club. After the 2024 season, former Broncos coach Kevin Walters was set to let Hetherington leave the club with the forward allowed to negotiate with other clubs.

Hetherington was seen as a solid signing and up to five clubs were circling the 25-year-old. However, fast-forward a few weeks and Walters was axed from his role and incoming coach Maguire immediately stepped in to keep Hetherington.

This move was quickly praised from fans as Maguire moved to quickly stamp his mark on the squad. And new PM XIII coach Fittler has seen some unpacked talent in Hetherington and rewarded him with a position in the squad.

Fittler, the former NSW coach before Maguire, even went one step further to vindicate Maguire's decision and claimed Hetherington will be given a 'leading role' in his team as one of the senior players. "(Kobe's a) wonderful player ... he'll have a lot of responsibility," Fittler said as he reminded the star of the importance of leaving a good impression.

"It's up to him at the Broncos, if he wants to play more time. In this team he's playing a leading role." Hetherington's selection in the PM XIII came as a slight surprise considering his lack of a starting role this season.

Kobe Hetherington praises Michael Maguire

Last month, Hetherington's manager claimed the forward was looking for more minutes and was given permission to look elsewhere if they were not going to come at the Broncos under Walters. Hetherington only started three games last year, before starting at lock twice and second row.

While it remains to be seen where he plays next year, Maguire appears to be on board and is keen to give Hetherington more time as a starter. Maguire is known for his hardline stance and hard work ethic.

And Hetherington has already praised Maguire's impact during his few weeks in charge ahead of a what he believes will be a brutal pre-season. "He seems like a good fella; I think we're in for a tough preseason and I'm looking forward to that, can't wait," Hetherington said. "He's said he wants me to stay ... I never want to leave the Broncos and I'll always have a soft spot for Kev. It's on me (to earn a starting spot); if I do all the right things then I've got a good shot at it."

The Broncos lost a number of key forwards heading into the 2024 season and Walters copped plenty of criticism for failing to recruit any big names to replace them. Unfortunately, the likes of Jordan Riki, Brendan Piakura, Fletcher Baker and Jayden Hunt all failed to step up.

With Payne Haas injured for portions of the season, along with Adam Reynolds and Reece Walsh, the Broncos finished 12th and Walters was sacked after a club review. Maguire will have a big task in turning around the team's fortunes, but has started with getting some of the current squad onside early.

Brad Fittler loses Hudson Young ahead of game

Ahead of the PM's clash with Papua New Guinea this weekend, Hudson Young was withdrawn from camp to join the Kangaroos. Penrith champ Liam Martin withdrew from Mal Meninga's squad to play Tonga and New Zealand and the coach called upon Young.

Fittler admitted it was a shame to see Martin withdraw and lose Young ahead of the clash. "You always have to be flexible around this time of year, it's a long season," Fittler added.

"It's the nature of the game but they're still very keen to represent. It's one of those topics, 'Where does rep footy sit in the game?'. I think it (PM XIII) is a great concept and it'll last forever and get better and better."