Jason Hetherington

Although Jason Hetherington started his top grade career as a halfback, it was as a hooker he excelled – a positional change made by coach, Chris Anderson, when Hetherington moved to the Canterbury Bulldogs.

A Queensland Primary Schools representative, Hetherington played halfback from Baralaba State in a match against New South Wales at the SCG, where he marked future Blues' Origin star, Geoff Toovey. 

Hetherington was Queensland's Best and Fairest in the three match primary schools series. He and Toovey played against each other in the 1995 ARL grand final, Toovey still at halfback, Hetherington at hooker.

Hetherington was incredibly strong for his size, the result of hard work on the family cattle property, where he roped and tied calves. He played rugby union at Rockhampton Grammar and represented Australia at under 17 level.

He played first grade rugby for University of Queensland, when he was 18.

Hetherington returned to Baralaba to play league and then was picked up by Ipswich Jets, playing five-eighth for Queensland Residents against Great Britain in Townsville in 1992.

The following year, he joined Gold Coast Seagulls, before signing with Canterbury in 1994. He scored a try in Canterbury's 36-12 loss to Canberra in the 1994 grand final.

The following year he played hooker for Canterbury in the 17-4 grand final win over Manly.

Hetherington made his Maroons' debut in the 1998 series win. Although hampered by injury in Game I, he fought through the pain barrier to prevail in a display of courage and tenacity.

Hetherington was Canterbury's Player of the Year in 1998, helping the club to a grand final appearance against the Broncos, a match Brisbane won 38-12.

The call-up was special. It was on the radio and I didn't hear it. Me neighbour came running across the road and was proud to tell me.

Jason Hetherington FOG #106

He also was Dally M Hooker of the Year in 1998. He made his Test debut against the Kiwis at the end of that season, and also played in the 2000 ANZAC Test in Sydney.

Hetherington starred in the historic tied State of Origin series in 1999, claiming the Ron McAuliffe Medal as Queensland’s Best Player. His last two seasons (2001-2002) were spent playing with London Broncos in the English Super League.  

Since retiring from playing, the Baralaba Panthers junior continued his passion for rugby league and was involved for a long time as a member of the support staff of the Maroons.

He also coached Central Queensland Capras in the Queensland Cup and the Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons Women's team.

Hetherington is a strong supporter of junior rugby league in his area, and closely follows the fortunes of his son, Kobe who plays for the Broncos.