Five burning issues: What Kurt Capewell’s sudden exit means for the Brisbane Broncos

While Kurt Capewell’s departure frees up vital salary cap space to re-sign the Broncos’ young talent, it leaves a big void in Brisbane’s roster and points to bigger issues the club will face.

Kurt Capewell has become the fourth player from Brisbane’s losing grand final team to quit the Broncos ahead of the 2024 NRL season.

Capewell has followed Dolphins defectors Herbie Farnworth and Tom Flegler, along with Titans recruit Keenan Palasia, at the Red Hill exits after securing a three-year contract with the New Zealand Warriors, effective immediately.

With nine Origin matches for Queensland and 139 NRL games under his belt, including Penrith’s 2021 premiership triumph, Capewell is the latest in a string of quality players to leave the Broncos.

The loss of his experience is a blow in coach Kevin Walters’ quest to snap Brisbane’s 18-year premiership drought.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom for the Broncos, with Capewell’s departure having a snowball effect in a number of areas for Brisbane.

Broncos captain Adam Reynolds alongside now former teammate Kurt Capewell. Picture: Zak Simmonds

THE EXODUS

There has been a significant departure of players from Brisbane’s best 17 since the grand final.

Capewell, Flegler, Farnworth and Palasia boasted 367 games of NRL experience along with 12 Origins and eight Test matches between them.

They undoubtedly leave a hole in the Broncos’ top team which will be tough for Walters to fill.

This is a major challenge the Broncos must overcome to go one better in 2024.

THE OPPORTUNITIES

The exit of proven players brings opportunities for Brisbane’s unsung heroes and next generation of NRL superstars.

Rising back-rower Brendan Piakura produced his best NRL campaign last season and will get first crack at replacing Capewell.

Piakura is a dynamic player with more attacking upside than Capewell, however he must improve all facets of his game.

Brendan Piakura gets first crack at Capewell’s edge spot. Picture: Liam Kidston

Jordan Riki has cemented himself in Brisbane’s lineup. Picture: Liam Kidston

To do that he needs an opportunity and he will be promoted from a bench player to starting forward. He could do what right-edge forward Jordan Riki did last season and take his game to another level.

Brisbane’s rising stars will also get more of a crack next year, like outside back Deine Mariner and emerging prop Ben Te Kura.

THE SALARY CAP

It’s no secret the Broncos are facing a salary cap crunch following their impressive 2023 season.

In an ideal world they would have kept all four of those players, but that isn’t reality in the NRL where cashed-up rivals can poach players on the rise.

The departure of 30-year-old Capewell will free up more salary cap space for the Broncos to upgrade and extend the likes of Ezra Mam and Reece Walsh, whose salaries are well below market value.

The club has already locked in its top two back-rowers in Piakura and Riki until 2027, which spelt the end for Capewell.

Capewell met with Warriors coach Andrew Webster in Auckland last month.

THE LEADERSHIP VOID

Will the Broncos suffer a leadership void following Capewell’s exit? Only time will tell.

Along with captain Adam Reynolds, Capewell was brought to the Broncos on the back of the 2020 wooden spoon season to bring a winning edge and experience to the club.

He was immediately made vice-captain and played a key role in lifting Brisbane’s standards inside the dressing room.

With him leaving, it’s now up to the likes of Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan to take their leadership up a gear and continue pushing their teammates to strive for excellence.

THE FUTURE

If the Broncos have lost four quality players after one good season, what will happen if they can sustain success?

We’ve seen Penrith’s stocks been pilfered during their three-peat of NRL premierships, but the Panthers have been able to keep winning.

Reece Walsh, Ezra Mam, Brendan Piakura, Fletcher Baker and Deine Mariner are part of a brilliant young core at the Broncos. Picture: Zak Simmonds.

If the Broncos can secure Mam, that should prevent any more bloodletting next season.

However, they must then move to lock up the likes of Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo, Kotoni Staggs, Blake Mozer and Xavier Willison, who become free agents from November next year.

It’s a never-ending fight in the NRL and it’s unlikely the Broncos will be able to hang on to them all.

It becomes a ruthless game of prioritising the signatures you really need.

Originally published as Five burning issues: What Kurt Capewell’s sudden exit means for the Brisbane Broncos