Kurt Capewell has signed a three-year contract with the Warriors after Brisbane granted him an immediate release from the final year of his contract.
The 30-year-old was signed by the Broncos until the end of 2024 but was told he will not be re-signed beyond his current contract and will now join the Warriors for pre-season.
Brisbane had made a long-term commitment to developing back-rowers Brendan Piakura and Jordan Riki.
Capewell, a Queensland representative, spoke with Warriors coach Andrew Webster last month in Auckland. He knows Webster from his two seasons at Penrith, where he won the 2021 NRL title.
Capewell has made 139 NRL appearances for Cronulla, the Panthers, and the Broncos.
“Kurt is a winner with tremendous passion and a terrific work ethic,” Webster told reporters.
“I thoroughly enjoyed working with him when we were both at Penrith and I know from that experience that he’ll add so much to our squad and to the club in an overall sense.”
Brisbane coach Kevin Walters credited Capewell for leading the Broncos from outside the top eight to the NRL grand final.
“He has made a big impact at our club in a short period of time since joining in 2021 and we wish him well,” Walters told the club’s website.
Brisbane’s forward pack will look different in 2024, and new recruit Jaiyden Hunt wants to be a part of it.
With grand-final props Thomas Flegler (Dolphins) and Keenan Palasia (Gold Coast) already at other clubs, Hunt has an excellent opportunity.
Hunt, a 25-year-old Brisbane native, was signed on a two-year contract from St George Illawarra. He still had a year left on his Dragons deal, but the chance to play with
Hunt, a 25-year-old Brisbane native, was signed on a two-year contract from St George Illawarra. He had a year left on his Dragons contract, but the chance to play for the club he grew up supporting was a fantastic opportunity.
“I got told at the Dragons that there wasn’t really a spot for me,” Hunt added.
“When my manager called and said the Broncos were interested, I said I’d jump at the chance.”
“I flew up, saw the facilities, and spoke with Kevvie.” He claimed that it was all about hard work and camaraderie here. That’s a terrific club culture that I enjoy.”
After only 14 NRL appearances, Hunt is prepared to fight hard for a bench spot at first.
Nothing in his career has ever been delivered to him on a silver platter.
“When I was younger I wasn’t the greatest at rugby league,” stated Hunt.
“I was never in Queensland sides when I was younger.” I’ve always had to fight my way through everything.
“I think I’m used to it.
“I’ll do whatever the team requires and Kevvie desires.” I’ll play in the back row if he wants me to. If he wants me to play in the middle, I’ll give it my all.”
