In round 13 of the 2020 NRL season, Hetherington was placed on report for a dangerous tackle on Manly player Martin Taupau.

[5] In round 6 of the 2021 NRL season, Hetherington was sent off after hitting North Queensland player Valentine Holmes around the head with a dangerous high tackle.

[6] On 20 April, Hetherington was given a five-game suspension for his dangerous high tackle after taking an early guilty plea.

[7] In round 21, Hetherington was sent to the sin bin yet again after using a dangerous high tackle during Canterbury's 28-16 loss against the Wests Tigers.

[8] Hetherington made a total of 17 appearances for Canterbury in the 2021 NRL season as the club finished last and claimed the Wooden Spoon.