Cronulla’s salary cap squeeze could force out breakout back rower Kurt Capewell
Up and coming backrower Kurt Capewell could be on the way out of Cronulla as salary cap pressures put the squeeze on the Queensland Origin squad member.
Sharks
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sharks. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Breakout backrower Kurt Capewell’s days at Cronulla could be numbered as salary cap issues continue to put a squeeze on the club’s roster.
Capewell was called on to replace the injured Wade Graham on the left edge over the opening rounds of the season and has been a revelation in that role.
But Cronulla has been forced to shed $350, 000 from this year’s salary cap and will need to do the same next season.
The NRL sanctioned the club for cap discrepancies dating back to 2013 after former CEO Barry Russell self-reported concerns to the governing body.
It means Capewell, who is off contract at the end of 2019, could be looking for a new home for next year.
“I’d love to stay at the club, they’re in a bit of a tough position with the cap and trying to keep the cap sorted out. I don’t think about it too much, my manager is doing all that stuff for me, so the main thing for me is to keep playing good footy and winning the competition with the Sharks,” Capewell said.
Moving on hooker Jayden Brailey, who has 18 months left on his deal at Cronulla, and halfback Kyle Flanagan will also ease cap pressure.
Flanagan is contracted until the end of 2021 but is likely to be in Sydney Roosters colours before June 30, as reported in The Sunday Telegraph.
While Capewell’s form is no guarantee to extend his time at the shire club, it has caught the attention of Queensland coach Kevin Walters.
The Charleville junior had no idea just how closely the Maroons coach had been following his on-field performances or that he was in Origin contention. Capewell told The Daily Telegraph Walters’ phone call was the first time the pair had spoken to each other about Origin.
“It was a complete surprise. I was out having a coffee with Matt Moylan and he asked me ‘well, when do you go into camp? I hear that you’re on the extended bench’ and I said ‘nah mate, I don’t know where you’ve got your facts from, I haven’t heard anything’,” Capewell said.
“We sat there for about an hour and I kept getting messages of congratulations and I didn’t know what was going on and eventually Kevvie called me and gave me the good news.”
Originally published as Cronulla’s salary cap squeeze could force out breakout back rower Kurt Capewell
‘It’s just terrible’: Coach names and shames
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has named and shamed Bunker official Chris Butler after going scorched earth on a “terrible” call.
Superstar a whisker away from perfect 10: Every Panther, Shark rated
Penrith were far from their best against a gritty Cronulla side, but one man stood tall to lead them into their fifth consecutive grand final. Check out our player ratings and have your say!