Brisbane forward Kobe Hetherington has inked a two-year NRL extension and says one of the key reasons is he relishes being coached by Kevin Walters.
The 23-year-old played 22 first-grade games in 2022 in what was a breakout season where he established himself as a regular member of the top 17.
Already on contract for next year, his new deal keeps him at the Broncos until the end of 2025.
The son of former Canterbury and Queensland hooker Jason Hetherington, loyalty is a big thing for the Rockhampton-raised lock and he has relished being coached by Walters in his first two seasons in the NRL.
"I signed with the Broncos when I first moved out of school," Hetherington told AAP.
"Kevvie (Walters) is a really good coach for me and good for all the other blokes.
"I feel like he is really approachable. When he sits you down he knows what he is talking about. He is a former Bronco great. I have a lot of respect for him.
"He is the one who gave me my debut and I felt like I owed him a lot."
The Broncos were on track to make the NRL finals until a late season fadeout but Hetherington said the top eight was well within reach in 2023.
"I am stoked to re-sign," he said.
"The future is really exciting at the Broncos. If most of us young fellas can stay together I reckon we can really go a long way.
"We just need to finish the season better than what we did this year and then I think we can give it a red-hot crack.
"I came through with a few of these boys in the 20s system. We know each other and we all get along well and that really helps around the club."
