Tough forward Kobe Hetherington was on his way out of Brisbane until new coach Michael Maguire made it clear he wanted him to see out his 2025 NRL contract.
Now the 25-year-old has his sights set on a starting position in the pack and extending his stay at the Broncos.
Former coach Kevin Walters had given Hetherington permission to negotiate with other clubs for 2025 and he had interest from Wests Tigers and St George Illawarra.
One of the first recruitment decisions Maguire made on his arrival was to put an end to any early release because of the high opinion he has of Hetherington as a footballer.
Captain Adam Reynolds refers to Hetherington as "our cattledog" for his tenacious, uncompromising and aggressive style and it is a mode of play the Broncos will need to return to finals football.
Hetherington is best suited as a middle forward although is willing to play second-row if required. He wants to play at lock but for that to happen Test forward Pat Carrigan would have to move to prop.
In a nutshell he just wants to start after playing the majority of his 78 NRL games from the interchange bench.
"Everyone wants to start. That’s my goal and what I am trying to do this pre-season," Hetherington said.
“It’s a big challenge but I’m up for it. I just have to keep training hard and stay injury free but I have got to give myself every opportunity to get that jersey."
Hetherington was delighted that Maguire made it clear he was wanted at the Broncos for 2025. The coach is a hard taskmaster which suits Hetherington's no-nonsense approach.
"It is always good to know people want you and it raises your confidence but I never really wanted to leave here," he said.
"I’ve only ever been at this club since I was straight out of school. I love everything about this club and the direction we are going in. It’s home to me.
“Madge focuses on all the little things ... working from the inside, tying in and real hard work.
"This training is my sort of style. I like all that hard work and we’re really focusing on defence."
Hetherington said his long-term goal was to "definitely" stay a Bronco beyond his current contract. He also believed the squad could rise from their 12th placed finish in 2024 and win the comp.
"(Last year) burns at you but you can’t dwell on it," he said.
"It is always going to be in the back of your head how we went last year but we have got to keep training hard and it gives you motivation to work harder.
"We are focused on going into round one against the Roosters fit and healthy. We will start there but everyone’s goal is to win a premiership."
