Hetherington wants to grow from Warriors loan deal

Last week the Young product made the shift from Penrith on a loan-deal with their NRL rivals.

With the Warriors forced to be based in Australia due to coronavirus conditions, they've been allowed to add to their squad.

Hetherington hadn't played for the Panthers since round one and took up the chance when coach Ivan Clearly called.

"Ivan just rang last weekend and said the Warriors needed a middle and we've offered to loan you," Hetherington said.

"He said it would be good to go over there and get some game time so I said sweet."

The move started off on a perfect note with Hetherington performing well off the bench in the side's 26-16 win over Brisbane on Saturday.

The 24-year-old hopes stepping out of his comfort zone will make him a better player.

"It was a bit nerve wracking meeting all the new boys and having to play but it is an experience that I think will help me grow in the future," Hetherington said.

"It's put me in an uncomfortable spot, out of my comfort zone, meeting new people and playing for a new club but I think that's healthy."

The young forward has been plagued with judiciary dramas since making his debut in 2018 and coupled with sternum problems last season has only played 17 games in the top grade.

He hasn't played since being suspended for two games back in round one but was pleased to get back onto the field with currently no options for those who don't make the 17 to play at least stage.

"It's a good opportunity to get first grade game time while not getting flogged each week and not playing footy," Hetherington said.

"It has been a long time so I'm keen to go again."

Hetherington is currently on a four-week loan to the club, but the terms could change at any time.

He's impressed with how the Warriors are coping living away from home.

"The boys have been unreal and are a very resilient bunch," Hetherington said.

"Some of them have been away from their families for more than eight weeks and I don't know how they do it. It is pretty remarkable."

Temora product Todd Payten was thrust into the head coach role on an interim basis after the sacking of Stephen Kearney last month.

The Warriors were thrashed by Melbourne 50-6 in his first game at the helm but responded well to bring up their third win of the season.

Hetherington likes playing under him.

"Toddy is a great bloke and a great coach," he said.

"It is refreshing coming into a completely different system and seeing how other clubs do things."

Now Hetherington is hoping to help the side build some momentum with clashes against Gold Coast, the Sharks, the Roosters and Wests Tigers in the next month.

"I don't think the Warriors have won two in a row in 18 months so it would be good to get that second win," he said.

"We just have to turn up and do our job.:

Hetherington will once again come off the bench however the team welcomes back captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck from suspension for the clash on the Gold Coast.

READ MORE