Off-season Central, Wests Tigers captain, Tim Sheens, Adam Doueihi, Brisbane Broncos, Jesse Arthars

The Broncos took a beating with a serious injury to a star forward ahead of the season, marking the club’s third training mishap in a week.

Brisbane defender Jesse Arthars has returned from a loan deal with the Warriors and is targeting a starting role in Brisbane in 2023.

Meanwhile, Tigers manager Tim Sheens is adamant he has enough players capable of guiding the team in 2023 despite a loss of leadership at the club.

Read on for the latest NRL news in the Off-Season Central.

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BRONCOS’ COP ANOTHER INJURY BLOW

The Broncos have confirmed that forward Kobe Hetherington has had surgery after fracturing his biceps in training.

Hetherington was doing pull-ups at Red Hill’s gym on Tuesday when he picked up the injury that will sideline him for 12 weeks.

“The surgery went well and Kobe is now recovering,” said Dave Ballard, Brisbane head of performance.

“He will be out for an extended period but will be given the best care and the club will provide all the support Kobe needs during this time.”

Captain Adam Reynolds and superstar Payne Hass also picked up injuries last week but the club have since confirmed neither were serious.

TIGERS CAPTAINCY HEADACHE

Tigers manager Tim Sheens is adamant he has enough players capable of guiding the team in 2023 despite a loss of leadership at the club.

The Tigers were slated to install six captains last season, with James Tamou, Luke Brooks, Tyrone Peachey, Adam Doueihi and Ken Maumalo in a five-man lead group, while Jackson also ceded the side to Hastings at times.

Tamou, Peachey and Hastings have since joined the Cowboys, Panthers and Knights, respectively, while Brooks is under pressure to get his own game back on track in 2022 after an underperforming season.

Sheens told Wide World of Sports he’s confident he has the right man to lead the Tigers in his roster next season and will be making a call in the new year ahead of preseason testing.

“There have been a few changes in the roster, but we have several players who are more than capable of doing the job,” Sheens told Wide World of Sports.

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“I will be speaking to the players and management and getting their input before I make a call next month.”

Doueihi is the early favorite for the job but forwards Joe Ofahengaue and Stefano Utoikamanu could also be in line to lead the team.

Star recruits Api Koroisau and Isaiah Papali’i are unlikely to be considered for the role in their first seasons at the club.

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RETURNED OFFER BY BRONCOS BACK FOR CENTER SPOT LAUNCH

Broncos defenseman Jesse Arthars has returned from a loan deal with the Warriors and is targeting a starting role in Brisbane in 2023.

Competition for places will be intense, with Kotoni Staggs a suspension for a middle berth and Herbie Farnworth the leading contender on the others, but Arthars and Selwyn Cobbo will create plenty of competition for places at full-backs.

Speaking to AAP, Arthars knows he has a tough task breaking into the backline but is aiming for a starting center role in preseason when he praised Staggs, who is returning from injury in good form.

“Tones (Staggs) is tremendous for this team and one of our senior leaders,” Arthars told AAP.

“This is his second defensive session today and he will get more replays ahead of Christmas and the New Year. I’m sure he will fly in round 1.

“I’m trying to set up a launch center. The competition for places is fierce, but I knew that. I look forward to the challenge.”

The 24-year-old scored five tries in 12 games for the Warriors during his 2022 loan stint and has now netted 13 tries in 41 games for the Titans, Broncos and Warriors since his debut in 2019.

A New Zealand native, Arthars enjoyed his time with the Warriors but has always been eager to honor his deal to return to the Broncos in 2023.

“As a Kiwi kid, I enjoyed representing the Warriors,” Arthars continued.

“I still have to play a few games and expand my experience. This was a team that I followed when I was young, I got to go back to New Zealand and also see my family.

“I made a deal to come back and I would always honor that.

“I’m really enjoying the culture that Kevvie is trying to build. I’ve been here during the difficult times and I want to be here when we start winning.”