Kurt Capewell in shock wing switch for Cronulla Sharks in World Club Challenge

COULD Cronulla utility Kurt Capewell be a better winger than Corey Oates? His former coach certainly thinks so.

Kurt Capewell training with the Cronulla Sharks in the UK.

RISING Cronulla star Kurt Capewell has more potential on the wing than Queensland Origin star Corey Oates.

Capewell’s former Ipswich Jets coach, Ben Walker made the bold claim that the Sharks back-rower could be a better winger than Oates, the Broncos flyer who scored a try while playing all three games for the Maroons in his Origin series debut last year.

Better known as a rangy forward, the highly regarded Capewell is set for what most will consider a shock move when he starts on the wing for the Sharks in their World Club Challenge clash with Wigan at DW Stadium on Monday (2am AEDT).

Over summer, Capewell’s Cronulla teammates have dubbed him their own version of Oates, with the athletically gifted Charleville product standing just 3cm shorter than the impressive Broncos winger.

Capewell’s wing selection in just his fifth first-grade appearance will be considered by many as a gamble, however, few are aware of the 23-year-old’s history of versatility, or of an entire 2017 pre-season training in the backs.

Capewell has played just four NRL matches.

Cognisant late last year that the suspension of a now-departed Ben Barba would stretch his backline depth, Sharks coach Shane Flanagan began preparing Capewell as cover for his outside backs last November.

It was nothing new for the former Ipswich Jet, who throughout his development phase in the Queensland and NSW second-tier competitions, has played every position except halfback and hooker.

“It won’t be out of the ordinary,’’ he said of playing on the wing.

“At the Ipswich Jets, I was starting games on the wing and finishing the game in the front-row.’’

What began prior to Christmas as a precautionary strategy from Flanagan has now developed into a necessity following Barba’s exit and injuries to winger Sosaia Feki (knee) and fullback Valentine Holmes (hamstring).

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Walker was aware of Flanagan’s plans for Capewell, adding the shortage of backs could provide the Sharks with a silver lining.

“He’s a very, very versatile footballer,’’ Walker, who played over 130 NRL matches, said.

“I’ve known Kurt since he was born, he’s a family friend, so I’ve known him forever.

“He’s always shown heaps of ability with his footwork and strength, so when he first started with us at the Jets he debuted on the wing and scored two tries.

“There won’t be a thing in the world that will faze him. His temperament is perfect because nothing fazes him, especially on the footy field. He won’t be overawed.

“He’s a tremendous forward, so if they use him on the wing, he’ll just play that style that Wendell (Sailor) and Lote (Tuqiri) used to.

Capewell will play on the wing in the World Club Challenge.

“It could really work for the Sharks because there’s an extra forward that doesn’t have to defend much, but will be fresh in attack.

“He’s got better footwork than Corey Oates, that’s for sure.

“Some of the steps I’ve seen him put on in our backyard, I’ll tell you now, I can’t wait for him to bring them out in the NRL.’’

Capewell also knows a thing or two about being thrown into the deep end.

It was in last year’s final that in just his fourth NRL appearance, Capewell was plucked from the interchange bench to replace a concussed Wade Graham in Canberra.

Amid a backdrop of intimidation and a relentless Raiders he thrived playing 73 minutes in the now-famous victory.

“I’ve been doing a fair bit of training on the wing this year, covering a fair few positions, so it’s been good,’’ Capwell said.

“It’s not unfamiliar, it’s all the same. Catch the ball and run.

“It will only develop my game even more.’’