Gary Hetherington

Gary Hetherington had the idea to create a totally new professional rugby league club in Sheffield. He felt it was a logical choice with Sheffield’s rich sporting heritage, sports facilities and close proximity to the game’s heartlands. The seeds were sown for the new club in 1982 but didn’t become a reality until the 1984 / 85 season following setbacks and challenges that seem to have become typical of those faced by The Club throughout its history. Having risked everything to establish the Sheffield Eagles with his wife Kath he guided them through the first 12 years of their existence. Gary had previously had a long career as a player and played 65 games for The Club between 1984 and 1985 - he is Heritage Number 9 - scoring 5 tries and 3 drop goals. As well as being general manager and a player he was also coach for a period, before leaving in 1996 to take control of Leeds Rhinos after selling his interest in Sheffield Eagles. Without the partnership between Gary and Kath, along with the support of each other, then the Sheffield Eagles would have never existed or survived its first 12 years. Gary is a vital part of The Club’s history.

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