Proof the Broncos aren’t completely broken just yet

The Broncos finally have something to smile about as Ben Ikin spruiked a major coup that proves there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

Kevin Walters is in desperate need of reinforcements.

Brisbane has made a huge addition to its playing roster for next season and beyond, with the signing of Kurt Capewell on a three-year-deal.

The 27-year-old will finish the season with Penrith before linking up with Kevin Walters’ side, where he’ll remain until at least the end of 2024.

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Capewell’s signature is a major coup for the Red Hill outfit, as the Broncos’ new football and performance director Ben Ikin looks to overhaul a vastly underperforming playing roster.

The move to Queensland represents a homecoming of sorts for the Maroons star, as he played for the Broncos Under-20s team in 2012 and 2013.

Ikin couldn’t hide his excitement about bringing Capewell on board.

“Kurt has talent, footy smarts, experience and a strong work ethic, all attributes we want here at the Broncos,” Ikin said in a statement.

“In the past 12 months, he has played in an NRL Grand Final and a winning Queensland State of Origin team — that experience will be invaluable for our playing group.

“We have some great emerging talent here at the club who are learning to be true rugby league professionals, and I think Kurt will be a perfect addition to the squad in that respect.”

Capewell joins Rabbitohs halfback Adam Reynolds and Storm flyer Brenko Lee as part of the incoming class of 2022 at the Broncos.

He started his career at Cronulla before moving to the Panthers last season, where Capewell played a starring role in helping them reach the grand final, which they lost to Melbourne.

Normally a back-rower, he has played in the centres for Queensland since making his State of Origin debut during last year’s shock series win over the Blues.

Kurt Capewell will bolster the Brisbane forward pack.

Capewell’s arrival is a much-needed boost for Walters, whose coaching reign has started in rocky fashion since taking charge this season. The Broncos are anchored to the bottom of the ladder with just three wins from 16 games as he faces pressure to turn the ship around.

Recently Walters was confronted with a bombshell report about a possible revolt from disgruntled players. Prop Matt Lodge last week went public with accusations Walters had confused players with some of his communication.

It comes as Lodge and forward Tevita Pangai Jr were told they weren’t wanted at the club anymore, only for that position to change after the arrival of Ikin.

With the club at its lowest ever ebb, it was revealed earlier this week the Broncos had been rocked by the news of four players suffering injuries during a training session on Sunday, prompting questions about the club’s football department.

Karmichael Hunt, Ben Te’o, Albert Kelly and Brendan Piakura all went down with injuries in the same training session, with a report suggesting the development doesn’t reflect well on the club’s new high performance manager Dave Ballard.

“Dave Ballard is the new strength and conditioning coach at the Brisbane Broncos and on Sunday a brutal training session turned bad,” Nine’s Ben Dobbin said.

“Karmichael Hunt tore his calf, Ben Te’o tore his calf and Albert Kelly tore his hamstring, and Brendan Piakura damaged his ankle.”

Kevin Walters is under huge pressure

Originally published as Proof the Broncos aren’t completely broken just yet