PNG international back at CQ Capras for 2025 Hostplus Cup

A PNG international will be back in Capras’ colours next year after a stint in the Super League. Check out our rolling list of player signings for the 2025 Hostplus Cup season.

The CQ Capras have started their pre-season training. Photo: Luke Fletcher

Fan favourite Nixon Putt will be back in CQ Capras colours for the 2025 Hostplus Cup season.

The PNG international returns to the club after a stint with the Castleford Tigers in the Super League.

Capras’ head coach Lionel Harbin is understandably excited to again have the services of the dynamic forward, who played 57 games for the club between 2021 and 2023.

Putt will be joined by his countryman Valentine Richard, who is fresh off rep duties with the PNG Kumuls in the Pacific Championships.

“They both bring a ton of experience,” Harbin said of the star duo.

PNG international Nixon Putt has returned to the CQ Capras for the 2025 Hostplus Cup season. Photo: Luke Fletcher

“On the other side, we’ve got Peyton Jenkins, Tane Kiriona and Jai Hansen who all came through our junior systems, went to different NRL clubs and have found their way back looking for an opportunity to play at Cup level.”

Harbin said he was comfortable with how recruitment was going, with a number of the 2024 squad already re-signed.

The Capras have, however, lost three key campaigners in Lachlan Hubner who has signed with South Sydney, Jesse Jennings who is off to France and Trey Brown who is heading back to Sydney.

“There are a couple of places that are going to be up for grabs when you look at our squad from last year,” Harbin said.

Jai Hansen has signed with the CQ Capras after spending several seasons with the North Queensland Cowboys squad. Photo: Luke Fletcher

“While we lose three experienced players in Hubby, Jesse and Trae, it’s an opportunity for some of our younger guys to really take that step up and press their claims.”

Harbin said players such as Kurtis and Tom Farr, Jackson Miller and Jeremy McLachlan were back bigger and better, with another season of training and playing at Cup level under their belt.

The Capras will be desperate to feature in the big dance in 2025, having made the finals in the past three seasons under Harbin.

The players are one week into pre-season training, keen to lay the platform early for the upcoming season.

CQ Capras 2025 squad so far

Aaron Moore, Aaron Teroi, Bailey Cavanough, Blake Moore, Bob Tenza, Connor Rothery, Cooper Marshall, Harry Barham, Jack Biles, Jackson Miller, Jai Hansen, Jeremy McLachlan, Kyaiya Waiembi, Kurtis Farr, Larson Dale-Doyle, Manu Sent, Mathew Baker, Nixon Putt, Peyton Jenkins, Riley Reid, Samuel Yegip, Selemaia Taungahihifo, Tane Kiriona, Thomas Farr, Tyler Szepanowski, Valentine Richard, Zev John.