With regular forward Pat Carrigan out of the second State of Origin clash in Melbourne with an ankle injury and selectors looking at their bench rotation, Hetherington has 19-game Queensland forward Parker in his corner for a debut.
Parker, also prominent in his media roles, listed Hetherington in his team on an extended bench for Queensland ahead of the first State of Origin showdown in Sydney, won 22-20 by NSW
"I had him there because the traits he displays every week are exactly what you need in Origin," Parker told AAP.
"I don't mean the big name. You need someone who is willing to get down and dirty defensively and compete hard and that is exactly what he does.
"Kobe is starting front-row for Manly and they are travelling great at the moment.
"It is just his tenacity. He has got good leg speed and fits the Origin bill of somebody who could fulfil that role off the bench for Queensland."
Hetherington is a proven big game player. His winning grand final performance last year for Brisbane with two torn meniscus in each knee and two groin injuries is the stuff of legend.
He made a powerhouse surge before Reece Walsh's crucial first half try in a stunning display after playing with the two injured knees for 10 weeks.
After two groin and two knee surgeries in the off-season, the 27-year-old Hetherington has been a key in Manly's surge up the ladder.
Hetherington thrives in the rough and tumble style of footy that is Origin and Parker said those characteristics would have caught the attention of the Maroons' hierarchy.
"I don't think he's forgotten by the selectors or (coach) Billy Slater," Parker said.
"They would be keeping a close eye on him and a lot of other players. Without a hesitation in the world I think he would do a job every day of the week.
"Those who know Kobe and who have been around him and played with him will all vouch for him.
"We like to get caught up with how big someone is, what their name is and their untapped potential as opposed to what they are doing week in and week out."
Hetherington's manager Chris Haddad said his client was thriving under the coaching of Kieran Foran, who had given him a simple role and a bucketload of confidence to get the job done.
The Manly forward played his juniors at five-eighth through until his late teens before moving to hooker and then into the middle, in a similar journey to current Maroons lock Max Plath.
Haddad said Hetherington offered plenty.
"Kobe has the ball skills of a half, the speed of an outside back and can play any position in the forwards," Haddad told AAP.
"He's made for Origin."
Hetherington will line up for Manly against South Sydney on Thursday night, when he'll make one last claim for an Origin spot.
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