When Ipswich Jets take on Townsville Blackhawks this weekend, the two players lining up in No.11 jerseys have names rugby league fans are more than familiar with… Price and Hetherington.

These two names make old Queensland Maroons and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs fans nod and remember the past.

Riley Price has been playing well with the Blackhawks and Zac Hetherington has been one of the star performers each week for the Jets.

Zac’s dad Jason Hetherington played 118 games for the Bulldogs, distributing the ball to rampaging Bulldogs forwards over a career that brought a premiership in 1995 and a grand final in 1998.

Running off the Hetherington service and 222 games for the Bulldogs was Riley’s dad Steve Price.

Price played in the 1995-premiership, scoring the Bulldogs’ first try and backed up again 1998, and captained the Bulldogs in the 2004 triumph over the Sydney Roosters.

Price and Hetherington also played seven State of Origin games together for Queensland. 

Jason Hetherington said the clash between the two sons would “be good”. 

“I have been happy with Zac’s form this year… he’s still learning to play Intrust Super Cup and his role at the Jets,” Hetherington said.


Zac Hetherington in action. Photo: Josh Woning/QRL
Zac Hetherington in action. Photo: Josh Woning/QRL

“Saturday is another chance to improve, I think his attack has been showing gains.

“His defence has always been strong, but he’s been in the middle for his whole life so bit of adjustment to the edge.

“The wheel of life turns again and it’ll be good to see Zac play Riley.”

The two young men with the famous Maroons and Bulldogs names will be looking to get over each other and win for their teams – and there won’t be a bald head or head gear in sight at Jack Manski Oval in Townsville.