Kath Hetherington

The role of Kath Hetherington in the formation and success of the Sheffield Eagles cannot be underestimated. Kath came from a rugby league family in Featherstone, with three of her brothers having played professional rugby league. This included one of her brothers Steve Cooper, who became the first captain of the Sheffield Eagles. Kath met and subsequently married Gary when he signed for York, where another of her brothers, Gary Cooper, was coach. Kath’s love of the game from an early age led to a life in rugby league in a variety of roles including help establish the Eagles. She later went on to serve on the Rugby League Council and became the first female President of the Rugby Football League. For many years she was also Chair of Hull FC rugby league team, in direct competition with Gary’s Leeds Rhinos. Without the partnership between Kath and Gary, along with the support of each other, then the Sheffield Eagles would have never existed or survived its first 12 years. Kath is a vital part of The Club’s history.

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