NRL 2024: Brisbane Broncos star Kurt Capewell set to join the Warriors effective immediately

The Broncos are preparing to lose the fourth player from this year’s grand final team, with a former Queensland Origin star on the verge of walking away from the club.

The Broncos are bracing for ex-Maroons forward Kurt Capewell to quit the club and join the Warriors immediately.

Capewell could request a release from the final season of his Brisbane contract as early as Thursday to join the Warriors on a three-year deal.

While he is yet to make a decision on whether he wants to head across the ditch, Capewell has been granted permission by the Broncos to negotiate with the Warriors and a deal may be struck this week.

The Broncos have privately come to terms with Capewell departing the club following a two-season stint.

Capewell, 30, is due to report for his first day of pre-season training with the Broncos on Thursday, but it is unclear if he will be required given his possible move to New Zealand.

If finalised, Capewell will become the fourth Broncos player from this year’s grand final team to depart Red Hill, following Dolphins duo Tom Flegler and Herbie Farnworth along with Titans recruit Keenan Palasia.

The Broncos are preparing for Kurt Capewell to join the Warriors. Picture: NRL Imagery

Despite being impressed with Capewell’s contribution over the past two years and in the midst of a premiership window, the Broncos will not hold him to his 2024 contract given the opportunity on offer from the Warriors.

The Broncos were not in a position to offer Capewell a contract extension beyond 2024 and the Warriors deal gives him a further two years of security in the NRL until the end of 2026.

Capewell joined the Broncos after Penrith’s 2021 NRL premiership triumph, along with halfback Adam Reynolds from South Sydney, and helped Brisbane climb from 14th to ninth in 2022.

He played a key role in Brisbane’s charge to this year’s grand final, where the Broncos were beaten in dramatic circumstances by a Panthers team claiming their third straight premiership.

Capewell met with Warriors coach Andrew Webster recently. Credit: Supplied.

The Broncos’ recent decision to re-sign rising back rowers Jordan Riki and Brendan Piakura until 2027 showed they were the club’s future, prompting Capewell to explore other opportunities.

Capewell met with Warriors coach Andrew Webster in Auckland recently and the two have a relationship from their time together at Penrith, where Webster was an assistant to triple-premiership coach Ivan Cleary.

The Warriors rose from the NRL’s cellar to preliminary finals this year and the New Zealand club believes an experienced campaigner in Capewell can help them take another step forward.

If Capewell departs, Piakura will be given first crack at the left back row berth next season following 13 NRL games this year.

Another player pushing for an opportunity under Broncos coach Kevin Walters is Dragons recruit Jaiyden Hunt.

A Brisbane product, Hunt has returned to his hometown following 14 NRL games over the past three seasons for the Red V in the front and back row.

Broncos recruit Jaiyden Hunt. Picture: Liam Kidston

Capewell has been an integral part of Brisbane’s rebirth. Picture: Supplied

“It’s a great opportunity. I grew up watching rugby league and went to Broncos games on Friday nights,” he said.

“It’s an unreal experience to be here for the next two years. When I got the call from ‘Kevvie’ it was an exciting moment.

“He said it was all about hard work and mateship here, that’s a great club culture and what I really like. Everyone gets in and works hard together and enjoys each other’s company.

“It was a really good opportunity for me to come off the bench and cover both positions. I’ve been doing reps in the middle and back row.

“I’ll do whatever the team needs and Kevvie wants. If he wants me to play back row I’ll play there. If he wants me to play middle, I’ll try hard in every area.”

Hunt said he was a fan of Capewell, who played nine Origin games for Queensland from 2020-22.

“I always liked his chat and work off the ball,” Hunt said.

“He’s always got his edge set, he’s a leader in defence.

“If you’re a great edge defender then your half doesn’t have to make as many tackles. That’s the main thing I see.”