After several years in roles as coach and general manager, he sold his shares at Sheffield Eagles in 1996 to become chief executive at Leeds Rhinos.
Playing career
Hetherington made his début for Wakefield Trinity in January 1973. In 1978, he joined Leeds from York.[4] In September 1981, he was signed by Huddersfield for a fee of around £5,000.[5] He left the club in February 1983 after paying Huddersfield £1,000 to be released from his own contract.[6]
Coaching and administrative career
During his playing days, Hetherington played a key role in setting up the first rugby league players' trade union.[7]
After being turned down for a coaching role at York, Hetherington became interested in forming his own rugby league club,[8] and founded Sheffield Eagles in 1984.
After retiring as a player, Hetherington remained with Sheffield Eagles as coach. He stepped down as coach in April 1993,[9] but took charge again eight months later.[10]
He joined Leeds in 1996,[11] and rebranded the club in 1997, adding the Rhinos nickname.[3] In his time at Leeds, the club has won eight Super League Grand Finals, three Challenge Cups and three World Club Challenges.[citation needed]